One small flame. A whole Reformation.

This Reformed Christian women's relaxed fit tee from Calvinist Apparel carries the Reformation motto Post Tenebras Lux, “After Darkness, Light.” A single lit match sits at the center of a golden sunburst, with the Latin motto in ornate lettering above and the English translation below.

After darkness, light.

Post Tenebras Lux became one of the defining mottos of the Reformation, closely tied to Reformed Geneva. It sums up the recovery of the gospel after a long season of spiritual darkness, and it speaks just as well to anyone who has come through a dark season of their own. This design puts that hope on a shirt: bold, simple, and impossible to miss.

The design

• A single lit match: Drawn in an engraved, hand-inked style, with a flame built from fine parallel lines. It is a small, ordinary object that pushes back the dark.
• Radiating golden sunburst: Loose, hand-drawn rays shift from pale yellow to deep amber, so the design looks like it is glowing.
• Two-tone lettering: Post Tenebras Lux in ornate, swashed calligraphic serif above, with After Darkness Light in bold, rugged condensed capitals below. Classical on top, sturdy underneath.
• Gold on black: A high-contrast palette that makes the light the focal point.

What the motto means

A motto with history

The phrase echoes the Latin Bible’s rendering of Job 17:12 and was adopted as a Reformation-era motto in Geneva. It is still carved into Geneva’s Reformation Wall and used across the Reformed world. Wearing it says something about where you stand, and it usually starts a good conversation.

Details

• 100% ringspun cotton in all solid colors
• Light fabric
• Semi-fitted women's tee
• Shortened sleeves designed for a feminine fit without compromising modesty
• Runs true to size
• Available in Black, Sport Grey, White / Black, and Dark Heather
• Sizes S–2XL

A great gift for

Reformed believers, pastors and seminarians, church history lovers, Reformation Day on October 31, and anyone who has walked through a hard season and come out into the light.

Carry the light.

FAQ

What does Post Tenebras Lux mean?

It is Latin for “After darkness, light.” It is a well-known motto of the Protestant Reformation, especially in Reformed Geneva.

Where does Post Tenebras Lux come from?

The wording echoes the Latin Vulgate’s phrasing in Job 17:12. It was adopted as a Reformation-era motto in Geneva and appears on the Reformation Wall there.

Why is there a lit match on the design?

The match is a modern image of the motto: a small flame in a lot of darkness. It stands for the light of the gospel breaking into the dark, and for hope after hardship.

Is this a Reformed or Calvinist design?

Yes. Post Tenebras Lux is closely associated with Geneva and the Reformed tradition, and this design is made for Reformed Christians who want to wear that heritage.

Who makes this shirt?

Calvinist Apparel, a Reformed Christian apparel brand based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Size guide

Use the size chart to choose the best fit. The listed measurements are in inches.