Seen any symbols of fire around your sanctuary?
Do you know what’s the second most important day of the Christian year?
Chuck messes with candles again and explains Pentecost.
Seen any symbols of fire around your sanctuary?
Do you know what’s the second most important day of the Christian year?
Chuck messes with candles again and explains Pentecost.
Christmas Eve – December 24, 2015
5:30 pm Children’s Service — Asbury & Wesley Choirs present “The Reluctant Innkeeper”
7:00 pm Pre-service Handbell & Instrumental Concert
7:30 pm Candlelight & Communion Worship Service with Live Band
10:30 pm Pre-service Handbell & Instrumental Concert
11:00 pm Candlelight & Communion Worship Service with Traditional Organ
The word “tenebrae” comes from the Latin meaning “darkness.” The Tenebrae is an ancient Christian Good Friday service that makes use of gradually diminishing light through the extinguishing of candles to symbolize the events of that week from the triumphant Palm Sunday entry through Jesus’ burial.
This increasing darkness symbolizes the approaching darkness of Jesus’ death and of hopelessness in the world without God. The service concludes in darkness, sometimes with a final candle, the Christ candle, carried out of the sanctuary, symbolizing the death of Jesus. A loud noise may also sound symbolizing the closing of Jesus’ tomb. The worshipers then leave in silence to ponder the impact of Christ’s death and await the coming Resurrection.
From http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-is-a-tenebrae-service
Christmas Eve Services ~ December 24th 5:30 pm Children’s Service~Asbury & Wesley Choirs present “Room for Christmas” 7:00 pm Pre-Service Concert ~ Handbell & Piano Music 7:30 pm Family Service with Communion 10:30 pm Pre-Service Concert ~ Handbell & Piano Music 11:00 pm Candlelight Communion Worship Service |
The fourth candle, lit on the fourth Sunday of advent, is the Angel’s candle.
As we light this flame, we are reminded of the heavenly hosts that proclaimed Christ’s arrival with “Behold, I bring unto you good tiding of great joy!”
The Angel candle is also purple, reminding us that it was a King’s birth the angels were announcing.
Suggested Bible Reading: Ezekiel 34:23, Luke 2:15-20 and John10:11
Did you miss the video from Chuck on the Advent Wreath? View it here.