Jesus, Light of the World
Created by John E. Coates & Tom Lawson
Arranged & Orchestrated by John E. Coates
For centuries, believers have gathered as the sun sets on Good Friday to recall those hours of darkness that covered the world at the crucifixion of the Son of God. This worship service, called Tenebrae from the Latin word for "darkness," was a time of quiet reflection on the suffering and death of Jesus. Those gathering believed in the resurrection, and yet they found tremendous comfort and deep worship in the simple service of reading Scripture as the room around them slowly grew darker and darker; ending as the final moments on the cross were remembered, and the last candle was extinguished in silence.
Discover the depth of meaning and blessing for Holy Week services that such a candle-lit evening of reflection brings. Like the ancient Tenebrae service, this musical is not an evening of spectacular special effects or extravagant arrangements. The music, orchestration and readings are simple and powerful. In that beautiful simplicity, the story we all know so well of a babe in a manger and a man on a cross, touches something deep inside each of us.
In the growing shadows of Tenebrae, you can hear that still, small voice that whispers an illuminating promise, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)