Salvation

First Christian Church Sterling
(Disciples of Christ)

SYMBOLISM OF THE STAINED GLASS WINDOW
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
window.jpg (15072 bytes) Sterling, Colorado
Beginning at the lower end of the window, there is a yellow burst of light that is in the shape of a star. This represents the beginning of creation by God. Below that is a human embryo that proclaims the creation of the human race and can represent a contemporary symbol for the star over Bethlehem where Jesus lay in the manger. This portion of the window is made of large pieces of chunk glass.
Going upward from the embryo is the embryonic cord that can also be a root that leads directly into the vine and branches, a symbol that Jesus used very often to describe the relationship He would have with His disciples, then and now, a relationship of life-giving interdependence on one another.
The vine has 75 leaves by actual count to represent the 75th anniversary of our church in Sterling, Colorado (1906-1981). Throughout the vine and branches are twelve butterflies symbolizing the twelve disciples. One butterfly is in colors of blue, black, and purple to represent Judas Iscariot, another is in bold, bright colors to represent Peter. Cocoons are added to indicate new disciples are always coming to life. Cocoons and butterflies are traditional symbols of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
The vine and branches hold an oval picture of Jesus as He lived and taught in His ministry. Teaching, communion, shepherding, and caring are the intentional messages of this part of the window. Around the window in two places is the chalice, the symbol for communion and for our denomination. This portion of the window and the rest of the window is of traditional leaded glass.
In the final section of the window, the vine leads directly to the cross and crown of thorns. Above this is a contemporary figure of Jesus and another burst of light or star. Jesus' arms are outstretched and He is ascending back to the creative light that was the source of all life in the lower part of the window. As Jesus ascends, He leaves behind the cross and the crown of thorns. Blood drips only from the lower half of His body indicating that He is in the process of resurrection and ascension, for His upper body has already left behind the pain and suffering of the cross. As a whole, the window is designed to show the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and thus give glory to our heavenly Father who is the creator of all great and wonderful gifts in our lives.
The artist, David Tennant, is a member of our church. This is presently his largest piece of work and shows the particular history of this church and was conceived with its style in mind in proclaiming the Christian message.