A Good Friday message for all ages.

Christians often recognize Good Friday with a tenebrae service in which candles are extinguished one by one as we remember the suffering and death of Jesus. It is essential that we reflect on the sacrifice of Christ in order to grasp the power of Easter.

Here is a short tenebrae service with simple language that can be used with all ages. It is especially useful for children who need to hear that Jesus did not stay dead.

This video was used at my church during COVID-19 when we were worshiping online.

A message like this can be very effective in your home or with a group of children and families. All you need are seven small candles, a candle snuffer, and one taller white candle.

Today is the day that we remember the darkness. We remember the sadness. But we also look ahead to the happiness of Easter. Let’s remember together.

There were people who didn’t like Jesus. And Jesus knew that he was in danger. One night, a group of people with swords came and grabbed Jesus.

Jesus was taken to the angry leaders. The leaders didn’t know who Jesus really was. They said, “Jesus must be killed because he calls himself the son of God.”

People were mean to Jesus. They made fun of him. Some people hit him and spit at him and hurt him. They shoved a prickly crown of sharp thorns on his head that made him bleed.

Angry people nailed Jesus to a cross to die, but Jesus still loved them. Jesus said, “God, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Jesus asked God to forgive all the people who hurt him.

Later that day Jesus said, “I have finished my work on earth and I am ready to die.” And Jesus died.

Even though it was still daytime, darkness came over all the land. The light of the world was not shining on that sad day.

Suddenly the whole earth shook. A soldier who was watching everything said, “Surely this was the Son of God.”

Jesus’ friends were very sad. They put his body in a tomb–a place for dead people. Then a big heavy stone was placed in front of the tomb to cover the opening. Now his friends couldn’t be with Jesus or talk with him any more.

But Jesus didn’t stay dead! God made Jesus alive again, and on Easter we will celebrate. Jesus’ love is bigger than any bad thing. And God’s power is even stronger than death. Because Jesus is alive, we have the promise of life forever with God. And that is very good news!