The Sanctuary Stained Glass Windows
The South Biblical Windows: The New Testament
The Birth of Christ
The first window, beginning on the left, represents the birth of Jesus. The illustration
depicts the baby Jesus in the arms of Mary, his mother, and behind stands Joseph.
The lower portion of the window represents the early childhood of Jesus illustrated
by the scrolls and columns. In Luke 4, Jesus rises in the synagogue and reads
from the scroll of Isaiah, announcing the ministry to which God called him: "to
preach the good news to the poor." Above we see the star that led the astrologers
from the East to Jesus' birthplace in Bethlehem.
The Ministry of Christ
The standing figure of Jesus expresses a teaching posture; the Holy Spirit enforces
Jesus' ministry with power. The miracles of Jesus fill the window: he's walking
on water, changing water into wine at Cana, feeding the multitudes, healing the
sick, and calming the sea. All of these miracles are signs that Jesus is the Son
of God who has come to redeem the world and bring in the Kingdom of God.
The Crucifixion
The next window represents the crucifixion of Christ on the cross, and the church's
central doctrine of the atonement. Jesus is shown hanging in agony just before
giving up his spirit to the Father. In the lower portion of the window we see
the cock representing Peter's denial and ours as well. "Then the Lord turned
and looked at Peter and said, 'Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times."
The cross at the bottom is surrounded by a crown of thorns and three nails suggesting
the agony of the crucifixion. The banner here and at the top of the figure translates
"Jesus, King of the Jews". Near the cross we see Mary and the disciple
whom Jesus loved.
The Resurrection
Pilate said to them, "You may have your guard. Go your way and make it as
secure as you can." So they went and secured the tomb, sealing the stone
and setting guards of soldiers over it." At the close of the Sabbath, at
dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and Mary the wife of Cleopas
came to see the tomb. The tomb was empty and guarded by an angel who spoke to
the women. "Fear not, for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified.
He is not here."
The crucifixion and the resurrection stand at the center of the South series because
they represent the heart of our faith as Christians.
The Last Supper
This window depicts the Last Supper. Christ breaks bread with his disciples. The
lower portion illustrates the wheat and grapes.
The Ascension
The last scene of Luke's Gospel (24:50-52) and the opening scene of the Acts of
the Apostles illustrates the Ascension taking place 40 days after the Resurrection.
Jesus appears to his disciples and commands them to remain in Jerusalem until
they are empowered by the Holy Spirit of God. Christ is shown being drawn into
Heaven before their very eyes, and a cloud hides him from their sight.
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