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Christ Lutheran Church SymbolThe cross,
central to our faith, is also centered in our symbol. The cross, blue in
color, reminds us of our hope in Jesus Christ. The green cross extends
beyond the diameter of the outside cross reminding us of our growth
through faith that must extend beyond ourselves out into the world.
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The Windows at Christ Lutheran |
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The Ascending Christ Window |
Baptism Window This window is full of symbols of
Baptism like the Shell, the Ascending Spirit and the Water.
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The Promise Window In Middle of the window behind the Altar this window is a constant reminder of Christ's Promise in Matthew 28:20. A comfort to all who enter it attests to his presence and love. DesignersThe stained glass windows at Christ Lutheran Church were designed and executed by Robert and Patricia Metcalf of Metcalf Studio in Lake Havasu, AZ. |
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The Windows of the SeasonThe theme of these windows is the Church Calendar Year. It begins With the first Season (Advent) on the left side, rear window (as you face the altar) and continues around and down the right side to the last right window (Christ the King). The windows on the left side are based on the Time of our Lord and the windows on the right side represent the Time of the Church, according to the Church Calendar. The joy of symbolism lies in discovery of the truths presented and is limited only by the imagination and experience of the beholder. The following is, therefore, only a basic explanation of the symbolism used in these windows and is offered as a guide, not a total interpretation. Numerous reference books are consulted during this research. |
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Advent
Season Window The Sun of Righteousness represents the Son of God. The IHS means Jesus, and abbreviation of the Greek word “IHCOYC”. The Six-pointed Star in known as the Star of David, Standing for Christ’s human lineage. The Fleur-de-lis symbolizes Mary, Mother of Our Lord, and the human nature of Christ. It is also used to symbolize the Triune God. |
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The
Christmas Season Window The Poinsettia symbolizes the Nativity and the Coming of the Kingdom of Righteousness. The Unicorn is a symbol of our Lord's Incarnation and his sinless life. It also refers to "Horn of Salvation", from Scripture. Luke 1:69 The Lighted Candle reminds us that Jesus said, "I am the light of the world" John 8:12 and that Simeon called Him " A Light to lighten the Gentiles" Luke 2:32 |
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The
Nativity of Our Lord Window The Manger represents the birthplace and the humble beginning of our Savior's life. The red monogram "X" and "P" stand for the Greek word for Christ. Luke 2:7 The Shepherd’s Crook symbolizes the humble shepherds to whom Christ was first presented. Luke 2:8 The Angel harp, or Lyre, calls
to mind the joyous announcement of our Lord's birth and is symbolic of
praise to God. Luke 2:13 |
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Epiphany Season Window The Five-pointed star of
Bethlehem is symbolic of the Star of the East, which the Wise Men
followed. There is also biblical reference to Jesus as the “bright
morning star”. Matthew 2:1-12 The Tree Gold crowns represent
the three Wise Men, or Magi. Matthew 2:11 The three chests symbolize the Gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi. Historically, these gifts have representational meaning. Gold represents Christ’s kingly office, frankincense represents his priestly office, and myrrh represents his prophetic office. Matthew 2:11-12 |
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Baptism of Our Lord Window |
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The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Window The Aueole, or elongated
nimbus, surrounds the initial letters of the Greek words for “Jesus
Christ, Son of God Savior”. These initial letters spell the Greek word
for “fish”, used as a secret sign by persecuted Christians to identify
themselves as believers in Jesus. This symbol represents the radiance of
Christ as He was transfigured upon the mountaintop. Celebrated since the
Ninth Century, this event is viewed as a glimpse of Christ’s coming in
glory as Son of God. Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13 and Luke 9:28-36 The Tablet of stone containing
the Ten Commandments symbolizes Moses, who appeared during the
transfiguration. The fiery chariot in which he was carried to heaven symbolizes Elijah, who also appeared at that time. 2 Kings 2:11 |
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Lenten Season Window The passion cross is distinguished by pointed ends on the arms. It is also known as the Cross of Suffering, Cross of Urdee or Cross Champaign. A serpent coined around the earth traditionally represents sinfulness of mankind. Hands together in prayer symbolize meditation and penitence. |
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Palm Sunday Window The Palm leaves, which symbolize victor, recall Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Ceremonial blessing of palms and procession date back to Medieval Period. Matthew 21:1-9, Mark 11:1-10 and Luke 19:29-38 The donkey, or ass, symbolizes humility and service. The hosanna banner represents rejoicing and praises to our Lord. |
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Maundy Thursday Window The bread and wine symbolize the Last Supper and the institution of Holy Communion. Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25 and Luke 22:17-20 The foot washing represents loving service and humility. “Maundy’ is derived from Latin “Mandatum”, meaning “command”, referring to foot washing ceremony at the Last supper and Jesus’ “new commandment” to love one another. The purse and pieces of silver symbolize betrayal. Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10,11 and Luke 22:7-13 |
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Good Friday Window The “crown” of thorns and three nails symbolizes death and Suffering of our Lord. The monogram I.N.R.I. stands for “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (Latin “JESUS NAZARENUS REX IUDAEORUM). Matthew 26:29 The three Latin crosses represent the crucifixion scene. Matthew 26:38 The spear and sponge symbolize both instruments of the Passion. Matthew 27:34 |
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Easter Sunday Window The Lilies are associated with the resurrection because they bloom at the time of year when Easter is celebrated. Symbolically used because of the seeming decay of the bulb of the lily until it grows and blooms at Easter. The Butterfly symbolizes the resurrection. It suggests our Lord’s coming forth from the tomb. It also represents Christian’s victory through Christ: Larva suggests lowly conditions of mankind on earth, the chrysalis, the body in the grave; the glorified body destined for eternal life. The Trumpet sounds the Good News of Christ’s victory over death. Used also for Call to Worship and the Day of Judgment. Revelations 8:2 |
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Easter Season Window The Paschal Lamb represents Jesus, Son of God and His Resurrection. The banner is one of victory over sin and death. The orb and cross are symbolic of triumph of the Gospel throughout the earth. The monogram Alpha and Omega is an ancient symbol meaning our Lord Jesus is the beginning and end of all things. The Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet. Revelations 1:8
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The Day of Pentecost
Window The seven tongues of flame symbolize the gift of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, as described in the Bible. The Fire is and ancient symbol of the Divine appearance. Act 2:3 The descending Dove represents the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:16 The Columbine, a seven-pedaled blossom, symbolizes the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 |
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The Holy Trinity
Window The three interwoven circles of gold of equal size express the doctrine of the equality and unity of the Triune god. The shamrock became a symbol of the Holy Trinity due to the familiar legend of St. Patrick. Then angered pagans demanded of him to prove that the Father, son and Holy Spirit are Three Persons, yet one in essence, he plucked a shamrock leaf and asked if he was holding one leaf or three, then why one stem? They could not explain and he then asked “I f you cannot explain so simple mystery as the shamrock, how can you hope to understand one so profound as the Holy Trinity?” The equilateral Triangle is one of the oldest of the Trinity emblems. The equal sides and equal angles symbolize the idea of equality and unity, yet are three distinct sides and angles. |
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The Pentecost Season
Window The pomegranate is a symbol of Christ’s Church. The many seeds of the plant suggest unity and oneness in Christ of the many believers. It is also symbolic of hope and life. The cross with branches and leaves growing from it symbolizes spiritual growth in Christ, the Savior. The Wheat stock denotes growth and harvest of the Pentecost Season. |
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Saint John the Baptist Window The Locust and wild honey symbolize John’s life in the wilderness. Matthew 3:4 The Banner bearing words “ECCE AGNUS DEI” (“Behold, the Lamb of God”) symbolizes John’s announcement of the Savior’s appearance. John 1:29 The Water is symbolic of the baptisms performed by John, especially that of Jesus. Matthew 3:13-15 |
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Saint Peter Window The crowing cock symbolizes Peter’s denial of Christ. (Matthew 26:69-75) and is a warning to believers to be bold in confessing the Savior. Philippians 2:9-11 The Keys Saltire, crossed like the letter “X”, symbolizes the “Keys of the Kingdom;. The silver key represents confession and the gold key, absolution. This symbol is directly based in Scripture. Matthew 16:19 The Inverted Cross is used to denote the manner of Peter’s death by crucifixion head downward. He did not consider himself worthy to die in the same position as that of His Lord. |
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Saint Paul Window The Open Bible bearing words “SPIRITUS GLADIUS” (Sword of the Spirit) with a cross-hilted sword is the most common symbol used to represent Paul and is derived from Scriptural passages. The Burning Torch is a symbol, which signifies witnessing for Christ. The Quill Pen symbolizes the Epistles written by Paul |
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Saint Mary Magdalene Window The ointment Pot symbolizes devotion to our Lord as Mary Magdalene anointed Him with precious ointment of spikenard. The teardrops represent repentance. Matthew 26:7-13 The Red Carnation symbolizes pure love. The Cross with Winding Sheet represents Mary Magdalene’s vigil at the foot of the cross and her arrival at the empty tomb. Matthew 27:55,56 |
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Mary Mother of Our Lord Window Monogram of Mary Mother of Our Lord, is found in hand-lettered ancient manuscripts. The five letters forming the name MARIA are woven together. Likewise the Hebrew form of her name, Miriam, may be found there. The Crown and Stars denotes highest honor to be chosen by God to be Mother of our Lord. The Lily of the Valley is symbolic of humility. The snowflake is one of the emblems of purity and of virginity, and has long been a symbol of Mary, Mother of Jesus. |
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Holy Cross Day Window The Jerusalem, or Crusader’s cross, is symbolic of the five wounds inflicted on Christ at the time of crucifixion. The four small crossed represent nail wound in hands and feet and the large cross, the spear wound in His side. There are more than 400 forms of the cross which could be used to symbolize Holy Cross Day The Celtic Cross, or Cross of Iona, dates back to early centuries of the Christian era. The Calvary Cross, also called Graded Cross, has three steps which stand for, from the top down, Faith, hope, Love. |
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Reformation Day Window The Luther Emblem symbolizes the belief that even under a cross, the heart of a Christian abides on roses. The Ship symbolizes the church which sails unharmed through all perils. The word “Nave” comes from the Latin word for “ship”. The mast is cross-shaped and it is usually shown sailing through troubled waters; however, the presence of the Savior is a positive assurance of safety. The open Bible symbolizes Martin Luther’s search through the Holy Scriptures. |
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All Saints’ Day Window Doves (When more than one shown at a time) have represented the souls of the Faithful from the earliest days of Christian iconography. They are shown here with the Greek Cross and the Letter X, meaning “XPICTOC”, or Christ. The Pomegranate is a symbol of Christ’s Church. The Lamp is a much-used symbol of the word of God, said to come from “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet.” Psalm 119:105 |
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Christ the King Window The Crown and Cross symbolize the reward of Christians in victory over death. Thought to be taken from "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the Crown of Life." Rev. 2:10 Jesus Christ Conquers, consists of the Greek cross with abbreviated Greek words for Jesus Christ (IC and XC) and 'NIKA", Meaning conquers. The Scepter symbolizes the
kingly office of our Lord. The usual form of this scepter terminates in
and orb crowned with a cross, which is symbolic of the triumph of the
Gospel throughout the earth. |
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THEME The theme of these windows is the Church Calendar Year. It begins with the first Season, Advent on the left side , rear window and continues around and down the right side with the last right window, Christ the King. The windows on the left side are based on the time of Our Lord and the windows on the right side represent the Time of the Church, according to the Church Calendar. COLOR The Liturgical color of each season is
in the band surrounding the circle Medallion. In the case of the Pentecost
Season windows, the green band is interrupted by a display of the color
appropriate to the Festival day symbolized therein. The background band of blue, which runs throughout, represents the advent of the First and Second Coming of Christ. It reminds us of the need for spiritual preparation. The accompanying red bands represent love and sacrifice. The liturgical color of each season is in the band surrounding the circle medallion. In the case of the Pentecost Season windows the green band is interrupted by a display of the color appropriate to the Festival day symbolized therein. The liturgical colors are:
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The Communion Window
