Chancel Meditation

Christ as a young man. Read Ps 122; Luke 2:41-52; Matt. 11:26 -30; Matt 3:13 -17; John 1:29 - 37. Think about Jesus growing up and review your life. Have you increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man? Think about the concepts of "The Hand of God" (God the Father) and "Taking my yoke upon you?" What do they mean in your life? At what times have you felt the Hand of God and felt Christ lighten the burden? Spend time in thanksgiving. Read Psalm 1:16.

History

Dedicated March 1930, these windows are not a memorial. They depict scenes from the life of Jesus.

Left Chancel

On the left, Jesus is feeding the birds. Underneath in the predella (a ventilator designed so it won't break the main design) is written: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help." The predella also contains the Hand of God the Father, two closed fingers symbolizing the dual nature of the Son and the three tongues of fire (Trinity) In the middle panel, Jesus is filling jugs with water for his mother at a well as they camp on the way to Jerusalem. The words written are "For thither the tribes go up to testify unto Israel." On the right, Jesus is talking with his teachers in the temple of Jerusalem. The right predella contains the words "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord." Underneath is the Phoenix, a legendary bird that resembles an eagle. The phoenix lives 500 years, then gathers sweet-smelling twigs and spices and builds a nest, which is set afire by the sun's heat. The bird then rises from the ashes to live another 500 years. It is a two-fold symbol of Christ's resurrection and ours. The top of each panel depicts a different type of light: on the left is the Word of God ("a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path"), in the center the sun, and on the right a temple lamp.

Right Chancel

On the right panel, Jesus, with calm dignity, is receiving the Holy Spirit. The dove embodies motion and swiftness. The Spirit is powerful and filled with life. John uses the shell for baptism. The words are "voice from heaven." The right predella contains a Paschal Lamb and says, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." The center panel shows Jesus sitting at the feet of his teacher with his fellow students. The predella underneath contains oxen plowing. The left panel shows Jesus working with his father as a carpenter. In the predella below, it reads, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." In a walk-through with Schoonover, his comment was, "He really does make our burdens light, doesn't he?" There is also a design of an anchor, a cross and a fish, the old Christian symbol for hope that originated in the catacombs. The crown across the top accents the story.