Stained Glass
Of the many colorful windows throughout Trinity, this page will highlight those around the entrance to the church and in the nave and chancel, the main section of church. These windows present God’s plan of salvation in a glorious symphony of color.
While the windows on the east, or left side as you enter the nave, depict the events in God’s plan of salvation as they unfold in the Old Testament, those on the west, or right side as you enter, tell the story of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and how he established God’s Kingdom of Grace on earth in the New Testament (see diagram).
In the following sections, you will find the elements displayed in each window with Scripture references. May this guide help to better explain the colorful symbolism of Trinity’s windows to enhance your Christian worship.
1 Sermon on the Mount A
Tower Room
Christ, the Light of the World (John 8:12) prepares his disciples for their work as his messengers to all the world (Matthew 28:19,20) telling them of Christ’s suffering and death on the cross for their sins, beginning first with Jews (Romans 1:16) and then to all nations on earth. Some lessons he teaches are... Build life on the rock of faith (house): Matthew 7:24. Faith produces good works (tree): Matthew 7:17. Christ died for the sins of all people (families): Matthew 28:19. Cast all your cars on him (lilies, birds): Matthew 6:24. Let the world see your faith (candle): Matthew 5:16.
2 Sermon on the Mount B
Upper Landing, White Rock Entrance
We are first to “seek the kingdom of God” (chi rho and crown) “and his righteousness” (cross) so that we may enter the kingdom “prepared for you” (Matthew 6:33), since the earth began (mansion on hill with the cross on the door) (Matthew 25:34). “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:15). The evil angels, wolves in sheep’s clothing, seek to mislead his children (Matthew 7:15). Satan tries to lead God’s children to choose the broad, untroubled highway to destruction rather than the narrow road and the small gate that leads to life (Matthew 7:13,14). Heathen nations (Native Americans, East Asians) will turn from their pagan religions and worship the true God (Matthew 2:2,3).
3 Sermon on the Mount C
Mother’s Room and White Rock Entrance
Jesus summarizes in eight brief statements what comforts the child of God has in the face of life’s experiences. Note the rewards listed by Jesus in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10):
“Blessed are the poor in spirit (praying hands), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (crown). Blessed are the meek (lamb), for they will inherit the earth (cross on globe). Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (vine, water, and harp), for they will be filled (scroll). Blessed are the merciful (scales), for they will be shown mercy (bread and jug). Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (fleur-de-lis and chi-rho: The Saints with Christ). Blessed are the peacemakers (doves, water, and olive branch), for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness (arrows and whip), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (heavenly throne).”
4 Revelation
Balcony Stairs
John receives the message from God concerning “what must soon take place... the time is near (Rev 1-3). The elders worship God as they gather around his throne and “crowns of gold...sea of glass... lay their crowns” (Revelation 4:4,10). The earthly choir (elders) (Revelation 7:9-12) joins the heavenly choir in praise of the Lamb on the Book with seven Seals (much as we can imagine when hearing or singing Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”). The seals as they are opened show the events as they progress toward ultimate victory of the Lamb. The images of the man, lion, ox and eagle refer to the four evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—through whom God revealed his plan of salvation.
5 Luther’s Seal
Balcony, Above the Organ
The most enduring symbol of the Lutheran Reformation is the seal that Luther himself designed to represent his theology. By the early 1520s, this seal begins to appear on the title page of Luther’s works and is now a common symbol found in Lutheran churches. Luther explains the seal as follows:
First, there is a black cross in a heart that remains its natural color. This is to remind me that it is faith in the Crucified One that saves us. Anyone who believes from the heart will be justified (Romans 10:10). It is a black cross, which mortifies and causes pain, but it leaves the heart its natural color. It doesn’t destroy nature, that is to say, it does not kill us but keeps us alive, for the just shall live by faith in the Crucified One (Romans 1:17). The heart should stand in the middle of a white rose. This is to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace—it puts the believer into a white, joyous rose. Faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). This is why the rose must be white, not red. White is the color of the spirits and angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). This rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that a joyful spirit and faith is a beginning of heavenly, future joy, which begins now, but is grasped in hope, not yet fully revealed. Around the field of blue is a golden ring to symbolize that blessedness in heaven lasts forever and has no end. Heavenly blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and better than any possessions, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal (From Letter from Martin Luther to Lazarus Spengler, July 8, 1530).
6 Creation: Light and Angels
South-Eastern Side of Nave (White Rock Avenue)
On day one of God’s six-day creation he said, “‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). He created the spiritual (angels) as well as the physical world (Hebrews 1:13,14). By setting the earth to rotate on its axis, God created day (light) and night (dark) (Genesis 1:1-3). The fiery sun sends its streams of solar energy to provide for light, heat and endless waves for the benefit of the soon-to-be created forms of life on earth (Genesis 1:16). By putting the earth into its assigned orbit about the sun, God brought about orderly and predictable procession of seasons and years (Genesis 1:14). With the dry land, moisture, and sun’s energy now in place, the land greens with vegetation (Genesis 1:14).
7 Creation: Stars, Land, and Water
South-Eastern Side of Nave (White Rock Avenue)
The moon, reflecting the sun’s light rays on the earth (Genesis 1:16) now travels around the earth at a constant speed, providing its share of the conception of time. Water, gathered into streams and lakes, nurtures fish of every kind (Genesis 1:21). Stars fill the infinite space of the universe (Genesis 1:16).
8 Creation: Plants, Birds, and Animals
South-Eastern Side of Nave (White Rock Avenue)
Seed-bearing plants of every kind take their place (Genesis 1:11.12). The stage is now set; the earth can sustain birds filling the sky, and animals of all kinds seen living peaceably with each other (Genesis 1:24,25). God instructs all to “be fruitful and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:22).
9 The Fall and the Flood
South-Eastern Side of Nave (White Rock Avenue)
The earth is now ready to receive the crown of God’s creation-man-kind, made in the “image of God” (Genesis i1:27). Adam and Eve, seen in the radiance of holiness and perfection, are placed in to the Garden of Eden with its plants (Genesis 2:8) with instructions to care for and use the bounty of the garden and to be fruitful...replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28). The devil, in the guise of a serpent, appears with tempting fruit (Genesis 3:6). With their fall into sin, man is evicted from the garden, and a sword prevents their return (Genesis 3:24). Ten generations later, with sin ever on the increase, God prepared to destroy all of his Creation with a flood (Genesis 6:7). Rain came for 40 days until water covered the tallest mountains (Genesis 7:19). Only Noah and his family found grace in the eyes of the Lord and rode out the Flood in the sanctuary of the ark (Genesis 6:8).
10 The Promise after the Flood
South-Eastern Side of Nave (White Rock Avenue)
At the end of a year in the ark, Noah sent out a dove, which returned with an olive leaf. This was proof that the waters had receded and the Flood was over (Genesis 8:11). Upon leaving the ark Noah sacrificed some of the “clean” animals (Genesis 7:2), the smoke rising to God, who was pleased with this sign of gratitude (Genesis 8:21). God set the rainbow in the sky as token of his vow never again to destroy the world with a flood (Genesis 8:22). The sword, spear, plowshares and pruning hook point to the physical and spiritual life his children have in the Kingdom of God (Isaiah 2:4), established by Christ, the Rose of Sharon (Song of Songs 2:1, John 18:35).
11 The Messianic Promise
South-Eastern Side of Nave (White Rock Avenue)
The prophetic messages of the Promised Savior are shown. In Christ, the Light of the World (John 9:12), the words from Isaiah 60:1 are fulfilled, “Arise, shine, for your light has come.” The family tree of the Tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10) is shown with kingly crowns—beginning with David (1 Samuel 16:12) until it reaches its climax with Christ (John 18:36). The word Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14) reminds us that in the birth of the Christ-child God is with us—“...call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23). Like the rain comes down from heaven (Isaiah 55:10) and accomplishes its purpose, so also God’s Word and promises are fulfilled (Isaiah 55:11) by his Holy angels who do his bidding and bring “good news” to all on earth(Luke 2:10).
12 The Nativity
North-Western Side of Nave (Baxter Street)
As Mary humbly receives the angel Gabriel’s message, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove hovers over her (Luke 1:32). The stream of light from the hands of God reveals (or sheds light on) the fact that the newborn child on the straw of the manger is the sinless (white cloth) Son of the Highest (Luke 1:32), the heir to the throne of David (crown, Luke 1:33), and the Promised Savior, Christ (chi rho). The three crowned heads at the bottom show the approaching Wise Men who have come to worship the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2).
Note: The super imposed letters X and P are the Greek letters chi and rho, the first two letters in the name “Christ” and are often used in Christian symbolism to represent Christ and his Kingdom.
13 Baptism and Temptation
North-Western Side of Nave (Baxter Street)
The Father has his hand in the baptism of his Son (water: Luke 2:21) while the Holy Spirit comes down also (dove). The water of baptism is shown. The stones, the Temple, and the hill refer to the temptations which Christ endured and overcame (Luke 4:1-12). The devil, foiled and furious, slinks away to his hell-fire.
Christ’s victory over Satan was completed on the cross as indicated by the letters above the cross (IC XC: the beginning of the name Jesus Christ), and the letters below the cross arm (NIKA: the Greek word for “victor”).
14 The Disciples
North-Western Side of Nave (Baxter Street)
Christ gathers disciples, preaching the Kingdom of God. His disciples are now to leave the tool of their trade, the net with which they gathered fish, and become fishers of men (Mark 1:17). Their net is the Word of God.
The twelve disciples are indicated by their symbols in the net. The most easily recognized are the symbols for John (eagle), Peter (keys), and Judas (bags of money).
15 The Transfiguration
North-Western Side of Nave (Baxter Street)
Jesus, in shining garment surrounded by brilliant light and accompanied by angels from heaven, is seen with Moses (tablets of stone: Exodus 31:18) and Elijah (fiery chariot: 2 Kings 2:11) —two men whom God inspired to reveal his plan of salvation. Jesus now discussed with them the fulfillment of this plan in Christ’s suffering and death on the cross (Luke 9:11).
The awe-stricken disciples—Peter, James and John—responded, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Luke 9:29-33).
16 Parables
North-Western Side of Nave (Baxter Street)
Through Jesus’ parables God reveals (sheds light on) the nature of the Kingdom of God (crown: Matthew 13:34-46) with Christ (chi rho: 1 Timothy 6:13) as its head. Two parables are given in detail: Jesus, the Good Shepherd (staff, sheep, water: John 10:11 and Psalm 23) and the Sower and the Seed (Matthew 13:1-9) that shows disappointing results—rocky soil, weeds, birds. But always his Word “will not return empty, but will accomplish what he desires and achieve the purpose for which he sent it” ( Isaiah 55:11). There will be a bountiful harvest as the gatherers found out. The seed is the Word (Luke 8:11).
17 Miracles
North-Western Side of Nave (Baxter Street)
Throughout his earthly ministry Jesus occasionally revealed his power as the almighty God. He performed miracles not only to help people, but more surely to show them that they could trust him freely come to him in every trouble (Matthew 11:28). With God’s hand of power all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) and Jesus urges his children to use the opportunity to come to him (Matthew 7:7). Among the miracles noted in the Bible, the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:40) showed his power over death, as also did the raising of Lazarus from the tomb. When he provided wine in such a miraculous way at the wedding of Cana, using six water pots, and the feeding of the 5,000 with five loaves and three fish shows God’s concern for our daily bodily needs also.
18 Good Friday
North-Western Side of Nave (Baxter Street)
At Jesus’ death the very elements of the earth responded as suggested by the swirling light, the darkness, and the rending of the curtain in the Temple. Golgotha, a hill shaped like a skull, was the site of the crucifixion. Jesus’ cross is the dominant one with the other two crosses below and on either side. The crown of thorns, the sponge, the spears, and the dice remind us of the ignominy and pain that Jesus suffered for our sake, until he could finally say, “It is finished.” God’s scales of justice were heavily balanced in our favor through Christ’s vicarious death.
19 The Resurrection and Ascension
Narthex, Baxter Street Entrance
A scene which no human eye witnessed, the moment of Christ’s resurrection from the tomb. As the Rose of Sharon is the symbol of the coming of the Savior, so the lily is the symbol of his resurrection. After giving conclusive proof of his resurrection for forty days, Christ left his visible human presence and ascended visibly, leaving footprints of his presence among sinful mortals.
20 The Lord’s Supper
Chancel, White Rock Avenue
Here depicted is the institution of the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-28). Jesus holds the cup in the moment of giving thanks. About him are the disciples, each holding a piece of bread of which Jesus had said, “This is my body.” Then offering the cup, “This is my blood.” Judas, after receiving the bread, slinks away to proceed with his plans of betrayal (John 3:30).
21 Holy Baptism and the Trinity
Chancel, Baxter Street
Completing the chancel windows theme on the Means of Grace—the way God shares his grace with his people—is the depiction of Holy Baptism. Centered in the window is a woven symbol of the Trinity, as is invoked in the rite of baptism and represented in the words of Matthew 28:19: “... baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” All three persons of the Trinity are represented here: God the Father (hand), God the Son (Jesus as adult and child), God the Holy Spirit (dove). A shell is also used to represent baptism, as well as the ark and waters of the Flood (1 Peter 3:19-22). The earth represented in the background calls to mind the earlier beginning of Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...”