Two stained glass windows are located in the narthex which represent the two sacraments observed in our church. Ten windows in the sanctuary tell the one story of the Bible beginning with the Fall of Man to Pentecost in the early church. As you enter the nave from the front entrance, the windows on your rights are from the Old Testament. The five to your left are from the New Testament. If you wish to follow them in order according to the one story of the Bible, you may begin at the front right corner facing the pulpit. The window with the serpent will be first.
Then continue down the right side until you reach the back of the nave. Go directly across the nativity window and continue up the left side. The last window will be the descending dove which is symbolic of Pentecost.
Below is a listing of windows with a brief explanation.
Then continue down the right side until you reach the back of the nave. Go directly across the nativity window and continue up the left side. The last window will be the descending dove which is symbolic of Pentecost.
Below is a listing of windows with a brief explanation.
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Baptism: To your right as you enter the narthex is the window representing Baptism. The descending dove and the baptismal font are symbolic of our belief in baptism. John records, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.” (John 1:32) The font represents baptism by sprinkling. Again, the sprinkling or pouring of water downward represents the Spirit of God descending upon those who are baptized.
The Lord’s Supper: On your left is the window representing our Lord's death. Stalks of grain are seen in a bent fashion from top to bottom. A chalice is seen in the center with a cluster of grapes covering one side of it. Luke speaks of these two elements as “the fruit of the vine" and “bread.” (Luke 22:17-19). Fall of Man: Ther first window contains a coiled serpent with fruit in its mouth. This is symbolic of man s disobedience to God. The idea of the serpent is found in Genesis 3. (You might want to read this chapter to the children.) Abraham and Isaac: The second window depicts a sword, an urn, and a pile of wood. This represents Abraham our spiritual forefather to whom God made his covenant (binding and solemn agreement) of Grace. The writer of Hebrews speaks of Abraham’s relationship to God as being “by faith.” The above items are symbolic of Abraham’s faith in offering up Isaac as a sacrifice to God. (Genesis 22) (You might want to read this chapter to the children). Ten Commandments: The third window containing two tablets of stone with a radiant glow above them tells us of the covenant which God made with His people at Mt. Sinai. (Exodus 19-24). Twelve Tribes: The fourth window represents the twelve tribes of Israel. A ladder and twelve stars reminds us of the vision which Jacob experienced in his light from his brother Esau Twelve stars represent his sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel through whom Christ our Savior came into the world. Prophecy of Isaiah: The fifth and last window on your right is a representation of lsaiah’s prophecy. A partially unrolled scroll is the largest symbol in its makeup. Midway of the scroll a pair of tongs gripping a hot coal can be seen. One handle of the tongs is above the scroll and the other is beneath the scroll with only a portion of it visible. (Isaiah 6) Birth of Jesus: The first window on your left at the back of the nave is the nativity scene. In the lower portion of the window is a manger with a brilliant star shedding its beam from above. Christ Jesus is God's new covenant to man. (Jeremiah 31:31) Feeding the Multitudes: The second window represents the feeding of the multitudes. About midway is a basket containing five loaves at the top. At the bottom of the basket are two fish, one over lapping the other. (John 6) Death of Christ: The third window contains the crucifixion. Three crosses——one large in the center, a small one on each side—-are symbolic of Christ's death. Above the crosses can be seen rays of lightning which represents natures outburst at His death. (Luke 23) God sealed His covenant with the death of His Son. Resurrection of Christ: The fourth window represents the Resurrection. The lower half contains an open tomb. Above and extending out of the tomb is a flag and staff which represents victory over death. There is no permanent “sting of death” nor is there “victory” for the grave. Christ removed the “sting of death” and robbed the grave of its “victory .” (1 Corinthians l 5) Pentecost: The fifth and last window on your left is symbolic of Pentecost. A descending dove in the top of the window represents God's Holy Spirit coming upon the early church. Cloven tongues of fire are found in the lower half. The proclamation of God's covenant continues today. |
