Earlier this month, St. Matthew’s new stained-glass window was installed. This window has been a long time in coming! Its predecessor was much beloved but was buckling and needed to be replaced. (Thankfully, the old window was removed intact and is being restored by Soos Glass for future use elsewhere in our facility.) Prior to his death, former member Scott Sparks was working on finding a stained-glass artisan who could help us with the project. Later, Scott Roper took up the project and designed the layout and elements of the window. Soos Glass of Maumelle eventually produced the new window.

Throughout church history, Christians have used a variety of symbols to depict biblical truth and to serve as visual reminders and teaching tools of what the Lord has done for us. In European churches, stained-glass windows long served as a visual tour of Scripture, depicting major biblical figures and scenes. Lutherans have historically embraced Christian artwork, provided that its content is consistent with God’s Word. Here is a summary of the symbols included in this new window:

The cross – at the exact center of the window is the cross. Christ’s cross is the center of our Christian faith, for it was upon the cross that He sacrificed Himself for our sins and became our source of eternal salvation.

Communion bread and chalice – the central cross is set on the communion bread and suspended above the large, golden chalice. In, with, and under the bread and wine of Holy Communion, our Lord Jesus feeds us His body and blood for our forgiveness. The window overlooks the altar from which we receive the gifts of Christ’s body and blood.

Wheat and grapes – these are yet another symbol of Holy Communion and reflect the design of our prior window. The images of wheat and grapes can also symbolize the church: “For just as the one cup is filled with wine of many grapes and one bread made from countless grains, so also we, being many, are one body in Christ.” (LSB p. 291)

Blue background – as the window overlooks the baptismal font, its beautiful blue background reminds us of the waters of Holy Baptism. There, “by the washing of water with the word,” Christ cleansed us and made us His holy people (Ephesians 5:26).

Dove – at Jesus’ Baptism, God the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove and rested on Him (Matthew 3:16). That same Spirit of God is His gift to us in our Baptism (Acts 2:38). Every day, we live this Christian life through the strength and presence of the Holy Spirit.  

The combined Greek letters, Chi-Rho – at the top of the window is a Christian symbol that resembles the English letters X and P. These are the Greek letters Chi (X) and Rho (P). Together, these letters are an abbreviated form of Christos, or “Christ.” This ancient monogram dates back to the early church. It is Christ, our Messiah, who makes all the difference for you and me, for “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

The Greek letters, Alpha and Omega – on the left and right sides of the window are two additional Greek characters, Alpha and Omega. These letters point to God the Father (Revelation 1:8), completing the Trinitarian symbolism of the window. They likewise point to Jesus who announces, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). Christ alone begins, accomplishes, and finishes our salvation through His life, death, resurrection, and return.

Grace and Faith – last but not least, near the bottom of the window are two words which are foundational for our Christian faith: “Grace” and “Faith.” It is by God’s grace alone through faith in Christ alone that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8). This is the Gospel message which we continue to share and proclaim, not only within these walls but in our everyday lives and relationships. May this vibrant new window continue to remind all of us of these truths of God’s Word for many years to come!

Peace in Christ,

            Pastor Kory Janneke