Epiphany's Stained Glass Windows
The
Epiphany theme is carried out in the windows in the nave of the
church. They are a blending of a late Gothic tradition with the
contemporary spirit, as is the building itself, and demand close study
to be truly appreciated. Every idea in the Biblical account is
depicted in a vivid and living manner; in fact, a close study will
reveal action in a still picture. The traditional pictures of the
events were deliberately omitted with good reason. Since most of
us will see them Sunday after Sunday, they should challenge our
Biblical knowledge and imagination rather than give us a complete idea
at one glance.
Epiphany
means the manifestation of the glory of our Lord. That was done
in various ways, through His wisdom, His miracles and His parables.
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The
Wise Men, led by the Star, were the first Gentiles to pay homage to the
Christ on earth. The major races of man are depicted in the dark,
the yellow and the white kings. Tradition alone says there were
three – their coming and return is indicated in the picture for they
were warned by God to return in a different way to their homes. |  |
The
Presentation of the Christ Child in the temple. Here is the aged
Simeon holding the Christ Child in reverence as if saying to God, “For
mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” (Luke 2:30) |
Jesus
at the age of twelve in the temple seated among the doctors. As
the inspired account declares, He read from the Scriptures and the
teachers were amazed at His wisdom and understanding. |  |
The
Baptism of Christ, the beginning of His ministry, St. John baptizes
Christ in the Jordan River. The Holy Spirit descended in the form
of a Dove and God the Father spoke from heaven, “This is My beloved
Son, in whom I am well pleased.” |  |
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The
Marriage at Cana, Christ manifests His glory by His first miracle, the
turning of water into wine. The entire concept is embodied in
this window. The servants are depicted; Jesus gives them
instructions. The wedding feast in the background shows the house
filled with guests. |  |
The
story of the Centurion’s faith. He is pointing to his sword
showing his authority over many men. His complete faith is
manifested in the healed servant rising from his bed. |
Another
miracle in the Epiphany season is the Stilling of the Tempest.
Just study it with a little imagination. The boat is there, the
waves are there, the fear of the disciples is clearly depicted, but
standing above both is the Lord with His “Peace be still” and there was
great calm. The coloration here is done with the intention of a
night scene, hence the unorthodox color of flesh and the predominance
of blues. |  |
The Parable of the Tares Among the Wheat. We see the harvesting and the separation in this picture. |  |
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The
Parable of the Sowing of the Seed.
Different, yes, but you must study the picture to see that all the
details are there -- the path, the fowls, the stone, the weeds and the good
ground. – One sun shining on all. The
fault of not producing is not found in the sun, but in the type of
ground. |  |
The
Conversion of Saul. Here is shown the violence of his fall; the
terror of divine wrath has shaken all, even the horse. Saul’s
eyes are already staring without sight as the words of Christ berate
him. |
The circular window over the main altar contains “Christ the King”.
Christ
is in the center -- one hand is raised in the blessing of the Trinity,
the other holds the globe, Christ’s dominion over the earth.
Above Him are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
Below, the moon over the sun – dominion over the universe. On the
left, Adam and Eve and the Tree of the First Fall, entwined by a
serpent of sin whose head is crushed under Christ’s feet. On the
right is the Tree of Redemption. In it are found symbols
pertaining to the Redemption: grapes, the Eucharist cup and wafer, the
new Jerusalem, the cross, the empty tomb and the wheat. The Dove
to the right of Christ completes the thought of the Trinity. |
The large rose window in the rear of the church…
This is called the Four Angels of the Elements, each as a symbol that relates to the elements in Christian terms --
the air is the Dove or Holy Spirit;
water the fish, ICTHUS, or symbol of Christ;
the earth contains the seed of Creation;
the fire, the Pentecostal flame. |
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