THE CHANCEL WINDOW AND ITS SYMBOLISM
by
Dr. Homer Kingsley Ebright
Alpha and Omega
Alpha and Omega
Alpha and Omega
... the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet. In Revelation 1:8 we read, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end." In Revelation 1:17 and 18 we find the same words used about Christ. "Fear not. I am the first and the last. I am he that liveth and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore."
Dove
Alpha and Omega
Alpha and Omega
... the symbol of the dove, emblem of the Holy Spirit. Hear the words in Mark 1:10: "And straightway as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens rent asunder and the Holy Spirit as a dove descending upon him."
Lamb
Alpha and Omega
The Cup
... the symbol of the lamb. The student who can read and appreciate symbols thinks of this emblem and to him it spells "Christ." He will remember how John the Baptist cried out, "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
The Cup
Face of Man
The Cup
You will be reminded of the words in I Corinthians 11:23-25: "That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread, and When He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is my body which is broken for you.' In like manner He took the cup saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood.' "
Face of Man
Face of Man
Face of Man
Matthew - face of a man: intelligence. This gospel emphasizes the teachings of Jesus.
Lion
Face of Man
Face of Man
Mark - face of a lion: courage. Mark stresses the power and miracles of Christ.
Ox
Eagle
Eagle
Luke - face of an ox: sacrifice and service exemplified in Jesus life.
Eagle
Eagle
Eagle
John - face of an eagle. John was more of a poet and philosopher than the other evangelists. He gives in poetic form the vision of the meaning of Christ. Thus the eagle stands for soaring vision.
Cross
Eagle
Cross
You can see many crimson crosses in the lower window, and the golden cross on the reredos. As we look at the cross we can read the words of Paul in I Corinthians 1:18. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us who are saved, it is the power of God." And Galatians 6:14: "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of Jesus Christ."
The Chancel Window: IN the Details
Arches
The Banner
The Book
There are three pointed arches, the great one at the top of the window, and the two subordinate ones formed by the outer curve of the window and the two curved stones rising from the center mullions and meeting the outer curved lines of the total window. Thus the three arches, suggesting the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Book
The Banner
The Book
... sealed with seven seals. "And I saw in the right hand of God who sat on the throne, a book of the judgments, written on both sides of the sheets, close sealed with seven seals. And I heard a strong angel say, 'Who is worthy to open the book and loose the seals?' And one said to me, "The lion of the tribe of Judah hath overcome to open the book and the seven seals.' And I turned to see the lion, and beheld the lamb." (Revelation 5)
The Banner
The Banner
The Banner
... with the red cross which is now a banner of triumph. We need to look at that symbol today until we believe in the triumphant Christ.
Grapes
The Banner
The Banner
... will remind you of Matthew 26:29: "Jesus said, 'I will not drink henceforth of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it with you in my Father's kingdom.' "
Vines
Folded Wings
Vines
... seen in the chancel window and also on the altar railing and around the pulpit, reminds you of the words of Jesus. "Jesus said, 'I am the true vine and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch that beareth not fruit, He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, He purget it that it may bring forth more fruit." (John 15:1-2)
Wheat
Folded Wings
Vines
The heads of wheat will remind you of Psalms 147:14: "He filleth thee with finest of the wheat." And as this symbol of food, it will remind you of John 6:33. "Jesus said, 'I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.' "
Folded Wings
Folded Wings
Folded Wings
Recall Isaiah's vision. "I saw the Lord high and lifted up and his train filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim; each had six wings..." (Isaiah 6:1) But more beautiful are the comforting words in Psalms 91:4, "God shall cover thee with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge." Can you read the language of the wings? They say, "Trust in the practicing power of God." We sing, "Under His wings I am safely abiding."
Colors
Folded Wings
Folded Wings
Blue - predominates at the top. That is proper. The blue suggests the sky and heaven.
Green - is dominant in the lower part. Green suggests the fruitful earth.
Ruby - circles, bright spots of glory in life.
Gold - as in the rays of light.
Purple - means royalty.
What a variety of color! Lavender and orange, white, and varieties of blue and green ... Life is colorful. Religion is not monotonous.