Clerestory Windows
The clerestory windows on the side aisles tell the story of the life of Jesus in symbols - two in
each window. The story begins at the chancel end on the Rockport Ave. side and ends at the chancel
end on the parsonage side.
- The Three Lilies are the symbol of the annunication (Luke 1:26-33)
- The Monogram for MARIA,the Latin name for Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-33)
- The Star which guided the wise men (Matt. 2:1-12)
- The Three Shepherd's Crooks (staves) remind us of the adoration of the shepherds (Luke 2:15-20)
- The Three Gifts of the Magi remind us of the visit of the wise men who brought gifts to the new-born King of the Jews (Matt. 2:1-12)
- The Two Turtle Doves in a basket were prescribed gift for the presentation of the baby Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:21-24)
- The Saw and Hammer remind us that in his youth Jesus was a carpenter (no Biblical reference)
- The Temple represents his visit to the temple at the age of 12 when
for the first time he was recognized as an adult male worshipper (Luke 2:41-52)
- The Descending Dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit who "descended like
like a dove" when Jesus was baptized (Matt. 3:13-17)
- The Open Bible is a reminder of the teaching-preaching mission of Jesus (Luke 4:14-21)
- The Bread and Fish remind us of the miraculous emergency feeding of
multitudes (Matt. 14:13-21 and 15:32-39), proving his divine power to create material things.
- The Butterfly is the symbol of the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44), his greatest miracle,
proving his power over death.
- The Cruze and Wine Cup are the symbol of Jesus' first miracle, changing
water into wine (John 2:11)
- The Ten Coins are used as a symbol of the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-29),
a lesson in stewardship, and also as a symbol of the parable of the lost coin, which, together with
the parables of the lost sheep and the lost (prodigal) son in Luke 15, portray Christ's mission
"to seek and to save' lost souls.
- The Lamp is used as a symbol of the parable of the ten virgins (Matt. 25:1-13)
which ends with a warning to prepare for the second coming of Christ. It is used also as a symbol
of Christ as the Light of the World (John 8:12 and 9:5)
- The Hand and Cross is an emblem used to symbolize the fact that the life of
Christ is a blessing (benediction) to mankind, and also symbolized his last act - his blessing of
the disciples before his ascension when he gave them "the great commission" (Matt. 28:16-20 and Luke 24:44-53)
Reproduced by Permission.
American Greetings Corporation
Copyright AGC, Inc.