Messiah Lutheran Church - Stained Glass

THE WORD: The phrase SPIRITUS GLADIUS means "Sword of the Spirit". The OPEN BIBLE is a symbol for the Word of God. The SWORD that lays across it denotes the Holy Spirit's work, as the Bible is the "inspired" word of God. The ALPHA (left) and OMEGA (right) are symbols for Christ, as revealed in the book of Revelation.

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	NATIVITY: The birthplace of Jesus is indicated by the MANGER and straw where he lay. The STAR shining down, being a five-pointed star indicates the Star of Jacob, which points out the messianic aspect of Jesus' birth. It is an indication of Epiphany - the revelation of the Christ Child to the Gentiles.
	BAPTISM OF JESUS: The symbols in this window are numerous. Starting at the bottom and panning up, there is the WATER. In our sacrament of Holy Baptism, the significance of water is indicated, including Noah's flood and the washing of regeneration. The SCALLOP SHELL, is portrayed in paintings, as John The Baptist uses to pour water onto the head of Jesus. The CROSS is a symbol of Jesus. The DESCENDING DOVE portrays the power of God in the form of the Holy Spirit.
	TRANSFIGURATION: The TABLETS on the left represent Moses' presence at the event, as well as the law. The SCROLL on the right represents Elijah's presence, as well as the writings of the prophets. In the center, the CHI RHO is the most ancient monogram of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the first two letters of an abbreviation of the "Christ" in Greek. The RADIANT BEAMS of light symbolize God' presence.
	THE CRUCIFIXION: The center figures of this window are THREE CROSSES, the central one signifying the one on which Jesus died and the other two on which the thieves on either side of him hung. The initials INRI represents the Latin words that were posted, by order of Pontius Pilate, on the cross above Jesus: Iesus Naxeraneus Rex Iudaeorum," which are translated as "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." The LIGHTING represents the wrath of God.
	THE RESURRECTION: This window pictures a LAMB, which represents the Christ. The distinction of Christ as divine is shown by the tri-radial numbus around the lamb's head. Recalling the slain lamb whose blood at the door had alerted the angel of death to pass over and spare the first born in each such family in the Exodus story, John the Baptist declared Jesus "the Lamb of God". The words on the banner, ECCE AGNUS DEI, recall John's words. The BANNER itself signifies Christ's victory over sin and death, a symbol of triumph.
	PENTECOST: At Pentecost, the spirit of God came down on the disciples, the power from which the energy came to establish the church, the body of Christ on earth. The HEART represents love or charity. The ANCHOR centered in the heart symbolizes hope. These are the two fruits of the Spirit. The SEVEN DOVES surrounding the center signify the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
	HOLY BAPTISM: The baptismal FONT is a symbol of regeneration. The DESCENDING DOVE denotes that the regeneration or new life, that begins t our baptism, is a work of the Holy Spirit.
	HOLY COMMUNION: WHEAT symbolizes the bread that was broken at the Last Supper and the "body given for you". The GRAPES are the starting point of the wine that was served at the Passover table of Jesus and his disciples, and the "blood, which poured out for you". The CHALICE completes the pictures of the Eucharist.
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