The Service of Tenebrae is adapted from an ancient service that originated around the 12thcentury known as Tenebrae.The word tenebraeis Latin for “darkness” or “shadows.” This Service of Tenebrae remembers the death of Jesus. Eight Scripture readings recount the suffering and death of Jesus for us. After each Scripture reading, a candle is extinguished and the room is gradually darkened until the final reading, where the room is made completely dark. This symbolizes both the darkness on the earth after Jesus died and the darkness of the death of the Son of God itself. After a few moments, a single Christ candle is brought forward and laid on the table. This single flame represents the hope of the resurrection and reminds us to look forward to the glory of Easter Sunday morning.