The stained glass windows in our church are more than just beautiful decorations—they are stories, teachings, and reminders of God’s Word. Each window was carefully designed to reflect central themes of our faith, drawing us into worship and reflection. While their exact creation is a mystery, by exploring scripture, we can uncover their rich symbolism. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind each stained glass window.
1. The Burning Bush: God the Father and His Holiness
The window depicting the burning bush reminds us of God’s encounter with Moses (Exodus 3:1-6). This theophany—a visible manifestation of God—reveals His holiness and glory. The fire symbolizes God’s refining and purifying nature, while His command for Moses to remove his sandals illustrates the sacredness of God’s presence.
Through Christ, we too can approach God. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds us, Jesus’ sacrifice makes us holy and acceptable before God. This window calls us to reflect on God’s holiness and our need for His righteousness.
2. The Descending Dove: The Holy Spirit Conquering Sin
The descending dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit, drawn from biblical accounts of Jesus’ baptism (John 1:32-34). This window, however, holds a deeper layer: the dove is shown crushing the head of a serpent, representing the Spirit’s power over sin and evil.
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin (John 16:8) and empowers us to live in righteousness. This image is a powerful reminder that no transformation happens without the Spirit’s work in our lives.
3. The Open Book with Alpha, Omega, and an Arrow: Jesus as the Word
This window features an open book marked with the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, and an upward-pointing arrow. The Alpha and Omega signify Jesus as the eternal Word (Revelation 22:13), while the arrow symbolizes His resurrection and ascension.
Jesus’ resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith (1 Corinthians 15:17). For believers, this window speaks of triumph and salvation. Yet, the arrow also points to judgment for those who reject Christ (John 5:22-23), reminding us of the weight of our decision to follow Him.
4. The Book with “Spiritus Gladius” and a Sword: The Word of God
This window depicts a book inscribed with the Latin phrase Spiritus Gladius (“Sword of the Spirit”), accompanied by a sword. The imagery is inspired by Ephesians 6:17, which identifies God’s Word as our spiritual weapon.
As believers, we are called to be skilled in using this sword, much like Roman soldiers trained rigorously with their gladius. Scripture is both our defense and offense against the challenges of this world (2 Timothy 3:16-17), guiding us in righteousness and truth.
5. The Stone Tablets: The Old Testament and the Covenant
Broken stone tablets symbolize the Old Testament, specifically the law given to Moses. The story of the Israelites’ idolatry and Moses’ breaking of the tablets (Exodus 32) reflects human failure but also God’s mercy in renewing His covenant.
The high priests of the Old Testament foreshadowed Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, whose blood secured eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:11-12). This window reminds us of God’s justice, mercy, and plan for salvation.
6. The Ship with Chi Rho on Troubled Waters: The New Testament and the Church
A ship on turbulent seas, bearing a red cross mast and the Chi Rho symbol, represents the New Testament and the Church. The ship is an early Christian symbol of the Church navigating through life’s storms, powered by the Holy Spirit.
The Chi Rho signifies Christ’s name in Greek, while the red mast represents His sacrifice. The image recalls Paul’s missionary journeys (2 Corinthians 11:25), during which he faced trials but remained steadfast. It challenges us to trust God, who carries us safely to our eternal destination.
Conclusion
Each stained glass window tells a part of the gospel story, from God’s holiness to the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, culminating in the Church’s mission. Together, they encourage us to exalt God and preach His Word, just as they were designed to remind us.
Next time you sit in the sanctuary, let these windows draw your heart closer to God’s truth. What part of the story resonates most with you today?
