Our Windows

Our Stained Glass Windows

Introduction The stained glass windows of Bethlehem Lutheran Church date back to 1949 when the church was being built. Unfortunately not much is known about their choice or inception, but that the early church fathers contracted with an Italian Company to make the windows. In the dedicatory booklet printed for the dedication of the new church, it was written "All windows are set in stone to make for greater beauty and performance. In the nave the windows are of leaded art glass, highly decorative, with richly colored slender windows above the altar." Except for a small repair to the east window, they stand today as they were originally placed.
Altar Windows The three windows (a reminder of the Three Persons of the Trinity) behind the altar are the focal point of the church. They contain three large pictures, surrounded by long sections of Cross Etoile, Cross Reury, decorative borders and flowers. Each of the large pictures depict objects that remind us of Christ's sacrifice and redemption which we celebrate in Holy Communion. (8)
	The left hand panel holds a picture of a chalice with the host rising above it, surrounded by rays of light, symbolizing the Real Presence with, in and under the bread and wine. The chalice and bread are a universal symbol of Holy Communion, instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper.(10)
The center picture shows a section of wooden cross with the sign placed by Pilate above Christ's head at his crucifixion. The scroll reads INRI, the four initial letters of the Latin words, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. (9)
The right hand panel shows a phoenix sitting above flames. Though not a Biblical animal, it has for centuries been associated with rebirth. The mythical phoenix lives, then dies, then mysteriously rises from the ashes to live again. It is a reminder not only of Jesus' resurrection, but that because of it, all believers in Christ will someday rise from death to eternal life. (11)
Large Window to Right of Chancel To the right of the chancel is a large window containing three separate images. In this window, as with its matching counterpart across the church on the left, there are several smaller, significant symbols of the Christian faith, along with at least 5 different kinds of crosses. (A further explanation and discussion of these symbols and crosses is found later in this brochure). (12)
In the center of the window is the Anchor cross, a symbol of Jesus Christ, our sure and steadfast anchor. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." (Heb.6:19) This particular anchor is gilded in gold leaf, but the center of the cross portion is clothed in plain material. It perhaps illustrates how Jesus, our King and God, clothed himself in the plainness of humanity in order to secure our salvation. (12C)
On the right is depicted a branch of leaves.Believed to be either a laurel or olive leaf branch, both would hold special meaning for the believer. Laurel leaves wound into a victor's crown remind believers of their gaining heaven victoriously at the end of life. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2Tim.4: 7) If the leaves shown are an olive branch, they are to remind us of both the promises of God to humanity at the end of the Hodd, and of our role as Christians as peacemakers in this world. (15C1)
On the left we see a Latin cross with the rising sun behind, sometimes called the Cross of Glory. This can symbolize that after Christ's death on the cross, with the rising of the sun on the third day, he rose to glory. If we interpret the light as a nimbus (a sign of holiness), we are reminded that though Jesus became true man, he was still true God. (Phi1.2:6-8)"Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being .. found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross." (15C2)
Sanctuary Windows
Cross of Triumph Window After the large window on the right, we see a window which pictures a Latin cross encircling a globe. It is known by several names, the Cross of Triumph, the Cross of Victory and the Cross of Conquest.. It can signify the conquest of the earth by Christianity or symbolize Christ's sacrifice on the cross was for the wholeworld. "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but for the sins of the whole world." (lJohn 2:2) (16)(17)
The Candle Window Our second window features a lit candle, shining brighdy. This can be a two fold symbol. It can represent Jesus, the Light of the World, as written in John 8:12,"1 am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." It can also apply to Christians as we are to shine as lights in this unbelieving world. "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matt.5:16) (18)(19)
Open Book with Alpha and Omega Window Here is an open book with the Greek symbols A & Q, standing for Alpha and Omega. Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the last. This depiction of the Bible with Alpha and Omega printed on its pages, symbolizes Jesus Christ, the son of God, who no only was there at the beginning and will be there at the end, but is for us as Christians our "everything". In Revelation 22: 13 Jesus says "I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." (20)(21)
Tablets of the Testimony Window The Tablets of the Testimony, more commonly known as the Ten Commandments. These "Ten Commandments" given to Moses in the Old Testament, are shown chiseled on stone tablets and represent the basis of our fundamental moral law. In Lutheran churches the tablets are shown with the first three commandments on one side and seven others on the opposing side. The first three deal with our responsibility to God, and the other seven with our responsibilities to human kind. "When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him then two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God." (Exodus 31:18) (22)(23)
Red Rose or Flower Window We are not sure if the flower depicted is a rose, or other flower, but both can have great meaning for Christians. The rose has been used as a Christian symbol since the thirteenth century, and depending on its color, can symbolize the Nativity, martyrdom or divine love. It can remind us of God's great love for us. This five petaled flower with blue center looks very much like a crown anemone, traditionally regarded to be the "lily of the field" of Matthew 28,30, "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown in to the fire, will He not much more clothe you, 0 you of little faith?" What a great reminder to not worry about anything, but put all our trust in God. (24)(25)
The Descending Dove Window A dove alone would be a symbol of peace, but a descending dove with a nimbus around its head is clearly a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The nimbus signifies that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is usually represented by a dove mainly because he is mentioned so at Jesus' baptism. "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him." (Matt.3:16) (26)(27)
Chalice with Cross Window The chalice (or footed cup) holds the wine of the Last Supper. The cross above it represents how Christ's atoning blood shed on the cross is given to us through the wine during Holy Communion. "And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many." (Mark 14:23,24) (28)(29)
The Crown Window A king's crown! The crown can represent several things, and is mentioned often in both the Old and New Testaments. Isaiah mentions several times about the joy that will crown our heads, and the New Testament writers refer to the crown of righteousness, the crown that will last forever and the crown of life. It can represent the reward that awaits us as Christians in heaven: a crown of glory. "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (lPeter 5:4). The crown also reminds us of Jesus, our Lord and King. (30)(31)
Large Window to the Left of the Chancel This three paneled window, as the matching window on the right, contains three separate large images, surrounded by assorted other symbols and crosses. (32)
Lamb of God In the center of the window stands the "Agnus Dei", or Lamb of God. In John 1:29 John the Baptist says of Jesus, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" The lamb is carrying a resurrection banner, a white pennant with a red cross. Though the Red Cross represents Christ shedding his blood in death on a cross, the standing lamb announces that Christ is risen, triumphant over death. (33)
CHI RHO To the left of the standing lamb is what is known as the CHI RHO. It is not really a symbol but a monogram, sometimes known as a Christogram. It is a stylized blending of the first 2 letters of the Greek word XPICTOC, the letters which abbreviate the name of Christ. (34)
Triangle and Circle To the right of the lamb is a triangle intertwined with a circle. The triangle is one of the most popular symbols of the Holy Trinity. Each side represents a person of the trinity, three equal parts of one Godhead. The interwoven circle, having no beginning or end, signifies the eternal nature of our God. (35)
The Heart or Luther Rose Window Hidden now behind the pipes of our organ and only visible from the outside, is the beautiful round "heart" window. Though lacking in the necessary black cross in the heart, this is most likely a depiction of the "Luther Rose" or "Martin Luther Seal". Luther wrote in his own words: "a heart, which should be of its natural color (red), to put me in mind that faith in Christ crucified saved us. For if one believes from the heart, he willbe justified..... Such a heart is to be in the midst of a white rose, to symbolize that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In a word, it places the believer into a white joyful rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy as the world gives. This rose, moreover, is fixed in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in the Spirit and in faith is a beginning of the future heavenly joy. It is already a part of faith, and is grasped through hope, even though not yet manifest. And around this field is a golden ring, to signify that such bliss in heaven is endless, and more precious than all joys and goods, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal. The Christian can also look at this window's red heart (the universal symbol of love) as signifying our love for God, our fellow believers and our community. Not only does the First Commandment tell us to love the Lord our God with our whole heart, but Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment in John 13:34: "Love one another". The heart also reminds us of God's love for us. As the Psalms remind us again and again, "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever." (36)(37)
Additional symbols and crosses Throughout the windows and borders are found additional symbols, images and crosses. These include: Vines & Branches: At the bottom of almost every window is a panel depicting grape leaves and branches, objects mentioned throughout the Bible. Symbolic of the communion between Jesus and His believers, Jesus says in John 15:5 "1am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remain in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit." (6)
Oak leaves: These are scattered along the borders of the smaller windows. The oak leaves remind us that as oak trees are known for their steadfastness and endurance, so too is the strength of faith and virtue in aiding the Christian in adversity. We also are reminded that as a mighty tree grows from one small acorn, so can a small seed of belief grow and mature into a powerful and enduring faith. (26C)
Crosses Crosses of all kinds and shapes are used throughout the windows. The casual observer would see them only as decorative forms, but a closer look will help you find at least 6 different types of crosses besides the obvious ones in the central pictures. Latin crosses are the most popular form, with a longer upright than crossbar. The intersection of the two are such that the upper and the two horizontal arms are equal, but the lower arm is much longer. The Greek cross has four equal arms, sometimes crossing at right angles to each other (+), or in what is known as a St. Andrew cross, they are placed in the shape of an X. By adding decorative ends to the arms, or shaping the arms themselves into intricate designs, the cross can be transformed into a beautiful object not easily recognizable as such. (4 and others)
More Crosses Cross Etoile	(Under Construction)
Comments and Credits This brochure is not intended to be an exhaustive study of stained glass windows, but rather a simple record of what we at Bethlehem have and what these beautiful windows say to us. When I began this project, I had no idea of the lessons these windows would teach about the foundations of the Christian faith. Many of the symbols in the windows have been used for centuries, creating a bond with other Christians of long ago times and far away places. After you read about the windows it is my hope that you will look at them anew, appreciate their great beauty, but also that their message will inspire and encourage you in your walk of faith. 'Becky Kueck May 15,2006 Special thanks for their help to: Pastor Steve Wayne Swihart Susan Burkey
Bibliography Christian symbols Home Page. www.christiansymbols.net Ferguson, George. Signs & Symbols in Christian Art. Oxford University Press, London, c1954. Rest, Friedrich. Our Christian Symbols. The Christian Education Press, Philadelphia. C 1954. Van Treeck, Synmbols in the Church. Bruce Publishing Company, Milwaukee, c1960 Zohary, Michael. Plants of the Bible. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, c1982. II I