Meditation on John, the Psalms and Lamentations
Bible Passages: John 19:17 – 30, Psalm 22, 27, 51 Isaiah 55:6-11, Lamentations 1 – 14
Pastor: Joel Jenswold
Sermon Date: April 7, 2023
The Service of Darkness centers on a series of lessons, psalms, and liturgical texts that reflect on the Lord’s crucifixion and our repentance. As the service progresses, the candles of a sevenfold candelabrum are extinguished until only one remains. This candle is not extinguished but is removed from the chancel, leaving the church in darkness. The service is closed by a loud noise (known as the strepitus) that foreshadows the rending of Jesus’ tomb on Easter. After the strepitus, the last candle, still burning, is returned to the chancel. It thus anticipates the light of the paschal candle. The service ends without a benediction. We exit in silence to reassemble on the Festival.
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