The Rose Window’s beauty and sublimity are appreciated particularly when it is accentuated by rays of the early morning sun. It glows in the recessed arch above the altar, dominating the entire sanctuary. The rose has long been the symbol of the Nativity, reminding us that faith in Jesus Christ bring joy and comfort and peace. The window’s rich colors of varying shades of blue, red and gold glimmer and sparkle as the light outside changes. The central motif of the window is a figure of Christ offering a communion chalice, which speaks of the mutual
love between our Lord and his members. This figure, encircled by a golden ring, symbolizes salvation that endures forever.
The Greek letters of Alpha and Omega with the figure of Jesus Christ echo His word,
“I am Alpha and omega, the beginning and the end,” (Rev. 1:8) and reemphasize God’s continuing revelation of Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ Appropriately, the ring is centered within the Creator’s star. This six-pointed star suggest it was the Triune God who in six days made the heavens and the earth.
“all things were made through Him and without Him was not anything made that was made through Him.” John 1:3,10. The window’s predominately blue color indicates that with faith
“This joy is the beginning of the heavenly.” “These things I speak in the world that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” John 17:13.
The twelve arms, extending by two’s from the Creator’s star, form the outer petals and symbolize the twelve apostles to whom our Lord gave the commission to go out by two’s and preach and heal. “I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.”
This group of three tall windows above the main north entrance to the sanctuary echoes the three lower arches, which lead to the patio from the covered walkways. Within the sanctuary, they made a thrilling and colorful backdrop for the balcony. They are also a focal point for persons leaving the sanctuary.
The Trinity Windows are more decorative than the others in the sanctuary. Each arch is broken up into graceful ovals and diagonal squares and is patterned throughout with beautiful scroll-like leaf motifs.
Christians think of God in three ways:
(1) as the creator who made and sustains the world;
(2) as Jesus Christ coming to save us from our sins and to show us what He is Like; and
(3) feeling that he is present with us now in the Holy Spirit to empower and guide us. “If any man love me he will keep my commandments and I and the Father will come unto him and make our abode with him.”
There is a unity to the three. Each has a flowered cross near the upper arch which denotes by its open ends the young Christian. It is also a reminder of God’s great love for mankind through the gift of His Son.
The central window is the “Father” window. This is indicated by the royal crown and by the hand of God. Extended, shedding rays of glory, it is a symbol of the Father, with the idea of Creator.
In the lower part of the window on the left, the “Son” window, is a sheaf of wheat, suggesting that Christ is the bread of life. Directly in line with this, in the “Father”window, is a chalice recalling the love and forgiveness of our Lord on the cross, while in the cluster of grapes, representing the blood which Christ shed for man’s sins-the three combining to symbolize the sacrament of the Holy Communion.
Dominant in the “Son” window is a lamb reclining on the Book of Seven Seals(Rev. 5:1-14). He reclines because He is the wounded Lamb, but flying above Him is a banner of victory beside a cross.
The central motif of the “Holy Spirit” window is an ascending dove, which symbolizes the Presence of God within the heart of a Christian.
“If a man loves me he will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23.