THE GOSPEL IN GLASS. Christ Lutheran Church 29 South George Street York, Pennsylvania 17401

Transcription

1 THE GOSPEL IN GLASS Christ Lutheran Church 29 South George Street York, Pennsylvania w w w. c h r i s t l u t h e r a n y o r k. c o m w w w. f a c e b o o k. c o m / c h r i s t l u t h e r a n y o r k

2 BACKGROUND Historically, many Christian churches were built to include stained glass windows. Not only were they beautiful, but they also filled the worship spaces with colors that encouraged prayer and meditation as well as natural light. But that was not their only purpose. When churches installed these windows, many of the Christian believers who worshiped there were not able to read. The windows were designed to help tell the gospel story so that those worshipers could not only hear the spoken word of the scriptures, but also see illustrations of those stories and scriptures in the windows of the church. When the nave of Christ Lutheran Church was built in 1812, and stained glass windows were later installed, those historic traditions were carried on. Eleven windows nearly 18 feet high were installed in the nave. Crafted by Rudy Glass Company of York, the windows began to be installed in Each of the nave windows incorporated a large symbol of the faith or history of the church. In many of the windows, the artist uses either palm branches (those standing upright) or a wreath of olive leaves. Palm branches are a symbol of praise and adoration and the olive leaves form a crown of righteousness. Presented here are photographs of these symbols and an explanation of the meaning of each, as well as other windows in the building. We encourage you to look at them, remember their meaning, and discern their meaning for you and your life. 2

3 IHS As Christianity and faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior spread from the Holy Land, the scriptures were written in the Greek language. IHS are the first three letters of Jesus Name in the Greek alphabet (iota, eta, sigma). Artistically, the I or H is often illustrated as a cross to signify Jesus Sacrifice and Resurrection. This cross, a Cross Fleure (as noted by the ends of the cross), symbolizes Jesus as one of the three persons of the Trinity. 3

4 LAMP Lamp and light are symbols used frequently in scripture. You Lord are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light (2 Sam. 22:29). Your work is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Ps.119:5). No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light (Luke 8:16). John 1:4 describes Jesus: In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. Look for other references to LAMP and light at 4

5 CROSS AND SWORD The Latin Cross symbol has served Christianity for centuries as the sign of Christ s crucifixion on a cross and his resurrection three days later. A cross with the image of Jesus upon it is called a crucifix. The sword is a symbol of purification - the pure Jesus giving his life to purify the sins of the faithful - as well as the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). Location: Organ Gallery Sword of the Spirit, Word of God Ephesians 6:17 5

6 CROWN The Crown symbol appears in scripture in many references. When Jesus is referred to as Christ the King, the image of a crown comes to mind and on the cross He was forced to wear a crown of thorns. In other texts, the faithful believer wears the crown. James 1:12 says that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Peter 5:4 tells us when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you the Crown of Life (Rev. 2:10). 6

7 HOLY BIBLE The Holy Bible is the record of God s action in the world and our source of understanding it. The interesting thing in this window is the writing. Under Holy, the Hebrew text says: Thou shalt not murder Thou shalt not commit adultery Thou shalt not steal Thou shalt not covet Under Bible, the characters are entirely gibberish no recognizable language. Source: Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan, York PA 7

8 WINGED HOURGLASS The Winged Hourglass is a more obscure symbol. It means that time flies and death comes too soon for many. It reminds us that our time on earth is limited to do the will of God. The wings also look like the wings of a dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit who is with us throughout our lives. The wings may be those of angels who will guide us to heaven when our time on earth comes to an end. What does it mean to you? 8

9 CHALICE A goblet-shaped wine glass, the Chalice is one of two central vessels used in the Eucharist (Communion) service to serve the wine. Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matt. 26:27). 9

10 MARTIN LUTHER Martin Luther ( ) was a German Theologian and Religious Reformer. Concerned with practices in the Roman Catholic Church at the time, Luther wrote the Ninety-five Theses to initiate a dialogue. Posting them on the Wittenberg church door, he began a reformation within the Christian faith. His main points were Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura (by grace, faith and scripture alone). 10

11 LUTHER SEAL Luther wrote: In my seal is a cross within the heart, to put me in mind that faith in Christ crucified saves us. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness. For the just shall live by faith, by faith in the Savior. The heart is fixed upon the center of a white rose, to show that faith brings joy, consolation and peace. The rose is fixed in a sky-colored ground, to denote that such joy of faith in the Spirit is but an earnest and beginning heavenly joy to come, as anticipated and held by hope, though not yet revealed. Around this ground base is a golden ring, to signify that such bliss in heaven is endless, and more precious than all joys and treasures. Source: 11

12 ALPHA AND OMEGA Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The symbolism refers to both God and also Christ who was with Him in the beginning (Isaiah 44:6). Referring to the Father, He said to me, it is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End (Rev. 21:6). Referring to the Son, I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end (Rev. 22:13). Location: Organ Gallery 12

13 CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD The gospel of John records the image of Christ the Good Shepherd. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11). I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep (John 10:14-15). Location: Lower Narthex 13

14 COME UNTO ME Jesus with welcoming arms illustrates several Bible verses. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these (Luke 18:16). No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them in the last day (John 6:44). Location: Center stairwell leading to the organ gallery 14

15 EASTER CROSS The Dempwolf window celebrates the Resurrection with a plain cross and Easter lilies symbolic of joy, life and hope. J. A. Dempwolf, a noted York architect in the 1900s, was a member and Sunday School Superintendent of Christ Church. Location: Rear stairwell, Education Building. Duplicate: Lower Narthex West stairwell. 15

16 CIRCLE CROSS This symbol is an element in all of the tall windows in the Nave. The circle represents Eternity because it has no beginning and no end. In the center is a stylized Maltese cross dating back to the time of the Crusades. Christ Lutheran Church welcomes all to visit the stained-glass art and to worship with us. Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00 am and 10:45 am 16