About the Window

By Michael Horn

Have you ever taken a good look at the stained-glass window in our worship space? It is simply beautiful. However, beyond beauty, it is symbol that has rich meaning. According to Gail Ramshaw, “A symbol not only is something, it does something. Symbols expand and deepen communal life by their accumulation of value and purpose. Far from being ‘just a symbol,’ symbols reflect and intensify human meaning, and they constitute the matrix of human society.” The symbol in our window is that of the sun. F.R Webber states that the “Messianic symbol of our Lord is the sun in full glory”.  The reference is to the prophecy in Malachi 4:2 and refers to the “Sun of Righteousness”. Our window also features a prominent cross, symbolizing the sacrifice that Christ made for us. There are also many other meanings that can be read into the symbol of the cross which add to the depth of meaning for those who see it.

                  Aside from the design of the sun and the cross, the other prominent feature are the colors you see. The significance of the colors is just as important as the design itself. Let’s take a look at some of the posible meanings: RED is the color of divine love, of the Holy Spirit, and of courage. BLUE is the light of heaven, symbolic of profound meditation and of eternity. Gold (or YELLOW) is the symbol of the sun, of the goodness of God, of treasure in heaven. GREEN symbolizes hope and victory. WHITE is the color of serenity and of peace, purity and is the symbol of faith and innocence. VIOLET (or PURPLE) is the symbol of justice and royalty. It also stands for suffering and mystery.

                  The vibrant colors, symbols and their meanings are still not all that this magnificent piece of art has to offer. It unites us. If you’re like me, the first thing that your eyes go to when you enter the worship space is the window. Lifted high and full of color and meaning, it brings us together for the worship of God.  Under its multi-colored array of light, we sit, stand, listen to scripture, pray, laugh, cry, and sing.  The shadow of its cross falls on us as we partake of the Lord’s Supper and stirs the waters of baptism.  Its light blankets us with reassurance of God’s presence and love. I cannot image our space and our time together without it.