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●Stained Glass Windows

 

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The windows were provided by special memorials and other gifts apart from other construction costs,
and were installed as our sanctuary was nearing completion in 1986.

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INTRODUCTION: The Windows depict the liturgical year of the Christian Church. The Christian year is based on the life of Christ, the life of his church, and the life of the individual Christian within that year.

Each window is dominated by a distinctive cross and bears the traditional color associated with a season of the church year. The light pastels and clear glass backgrounds are similar in each window. These materials allow light to enter the building, reminding us that the church is not isolated, but is very much involved with the world around it.

 

WINDOW I: HOLY BAPTISM

Our entry into life of Christ is through this sacrament. The Shell is a symbol for baptism, the Water a symbol for cleansing and rebirth. The Boat is an ancient symbol for the church, sailing on the Waters of the baptismal life.

The boat is the same style used in our building campaign logo. Its mast is formed from a pointed Passion Cross in Gold, reminding us of our participation in Christ's victory through His sacrifice for us.

 

 

 

 

 

WINDOW II: OLD TESTAMENT/ADVENT

The Tablets of Stone represent the Old Covenant of the Law. Commandments I-III are the First Table of the Law, affecting God's relationship with people. Commandments IV-X (the Second Table) affect people's relationships with each other.

The Messianic Rose is an Old Testament Symbol for the expectation of a coming messiah (Isaiah 35). It is styled here as in Martin Luther's coat of arms. A Black Cross, a symbol of suffering, is imposed on a Red Heart, a symbol of life. All are superimposed on the Messianic Rose, a symbol of hope.

The predominant cross is the Tau Cross, an Advent cross reminiscent of the cross upon which Moses raised the serpent in the Wilderness (Numbers 21:9; John 3:14-15). The color is Purple, a color for Advent.

 

 

 

WINDOW III: CHRISTMAS

The birth of Christ is depicted by the Star of Bethlehem. The star's rays become a Chi Rho Cross (Chi and Rho, "X" and "R", are the first letters of the Greek Word for "Christ").

The Star continues downward until it intersects a halo or Nimbus, radiating as if from a manger. The Greek letters I H S stand for a monogram of the name of Jesus. The color is White, used for all festivals of Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

WINDOW IV: EPIPHANY

The manifestation of Christ to the world is represented by the Cross and Orb. Green, the color of the season, also represents the color of the earth, depicted as the Orb.

The Star of David shines not only for Israel but for all, as represented by the Three Crowns of magi (or kings) from the East.

 

 

 

 

 

WINDOW V: LENT AND HOLY WEEK

The Latin Cross is a symbol of crucifixion and also of resurrection. Here it is at the center within the inscription I N R I ( a Latin monogram placed by the authorities to mock Jesus; it stands for "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews").

The stark depiction of the Hill with Three Crosses done in lead at the bottom of the window depicts Golgotha. The predominant color is Purple, for the season of Lent.

 

                               

 

 

WINDOW VI: EASTER

The Latin Cross becomes a symbol of victory through the resurrection, depicted by the Butterfly surrounding it. (The emerging of the butterfly from its chrysalis is an ancient symbol of the resurrection.)

The Crown of eternal life is won by the resurrection of our Lord in glory. The predominant colors are Gold and White, the colors of festivals of Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

WINDOW VII: PENTECOST

A Latin Cross here is enveloped by a large descending Dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The dove's feathers end as Seven Flames of Fire, reminiscent of the sevenfold virtues or gifts of the Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3; see also tongues of fire in Acts 2).

The predominant color is Red, symbolizing the life and the activity that the Spirit gives the church.

 

 

 

 

WINDOW VIII: HOLY COMMUNION

As Holy Baptism was our entrance into the life of Christ, Holy Communion is our sustenance along the way. Again a Golden Passion Cross is the focus, accompanied by the Eucharistic symbols of Wheat and Grapes and Bread and Chalice.

Through the common elements of bread and wine Christ gives us His body and blood for our journey through life. We share in His dying and rising as we abide in Christ, as branches on the Vine (John 15:5). The windows were provided by the kind gifts of individuals and families. Their names appear along with other donors of special gifts in a memorial book.

 

 

 

The windows were crafted by Merry-Go-Round Stained Glass of Austin, in consultation with Pastor Henry,
who suggested theme and design, and the interior decorating committee of our Building Committee.