Window 24

Lancet windows above the western portal of the church

Through many centuries in the past, churches were normally oriented so that the altar would be at the east end, the place of the rising sun, and the main entrance at the west end, the place of the setting sun  and close of the day.  Thus, quite appropriately, the message in sculpture and/or stained glass at the west normally dealt with the end of the world and the second return of Christ in glory to judge the living and the dead.  At his feet to his left, cowering figures of the lost might be shown.  To his right would be the joyful figures of the saved.

Our three windows above the western entrance of the church carry messages in the life of the church during these grey and latter days approaching world’s end.  The figures were planned to be viewed from the inside, as worshipers were leaving the church.  From this perspective, the colors in the windows were exceptionally beautiful.  Because of the organ pipes, the windows can now be viewed only from the exterior.  The artificial lighting is less successful than natural light from the outside.

Window 24

The middle window in the group of three above the church’s front entrance shows Christ, not as judge at his second coming but as Savior at his first coming.  He was made in the likeness of man and humbled himself to death on a cross.  He stands on a rainbow and is surrounded by signs associated with his birth and work as Redeemer of the world. The crib at his feet is a reminder of his lowly birth in Bethlehem.  The star in the sky announced his birth to the magi.  At his side looms the cross, the sign of his death.  In his right hand he holds his staff as the Good Shepherd who gave his life for the sheep.  His left hand holds the orb and cross, a sign of the worldwide spread of the Gospel by the message of the crucified.

An eagle appears in flight at the top of the window.  It is the symbol for St. John, whose story of the life of Jesus, God’s eternal Son and Light of the World, soars like an eagle.  In this way, the eagle also calls attention to our house of worship.  It is St. John’s Church and Congregation.