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ALPHA AND OMEGA ROSE WINDOW: The beginning and the end. The first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. Used to symbolize the eternal nature of Christ's divinity (Revelation 1:8). This window is back-lighted so it can be seen at night from Seagler Rd and from the Sam Houston Toll Way as a beacon to travelers.
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Behind the Chancel
(Through the door to the right of the Altar)
HOLY MATRIMONY
(Seen on the left side of the outside door as one enters the passage to the sacristy) This window combines two symbols. First, the two rings symbolize the love of marriage, unending and faithful. Second, the cross speaks of Christ's sacrificial love. The husband is commanded to love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. The love in a Christian marriage is to be Christ like. (Ephesians 5: 21-25)
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THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
(Seen on the right side of the outside door as one enters the passage to the sacristy) This window represents the fruit of the Spirit mentioned by Paul. The fruit of the Spirit is Love demonstrated by virtues of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:55)
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Windows on the North Side of the Nave
(Right as you face the Altar)
GARDEN OF EDEN
This scene depicts how "in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," and shows Adam and Eve enjoying the bliss of life before the fall. The fruit on the trees remind us that freedom of choice is a precious gift and that it can be used wrongly. The stream of light shows that God knew of man's need for fellowship with Him. Adam and Eve facing each other shows that God knows of their need for mutual companionship and love. (Genesis 1-2)
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ABRAHAM
This scene shows Abraham, knife in hand, wood under his arm, ready to take God' s request literally and offer his son Isaac (shown in left corner) as a Sacrifice. It was, of course, a test designed to reveal the depth of Abraham's faith and obedience to God. The ram (shown in right corner) was offered in place of young Isaac, thus hinting at the great sacrifice to be made centuries later when Jesus would die for us, in our place, that we might be counted righteous by God. (Genesis 22)
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ISAAC
The adult Isaac with the sticks of wood fashioned as a cross remind us that he was the line through whom God worked to bring us the Messiah. Isaac's birth to elderly parents was itself a miracle. Isaac, in turn, marries Rebekah but no children were born for 20 years. Finally Jacob and Esau are born and these two children become leaders of two nations. Before Isaac dies he gives his blessing to Jacob and declares that God's promises will continue through Jacob and his heirs. (Genesis 24-25, 27)
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JOSEPH
The long story of how young Joseph was sold into slavery by his eleven jealous brothers culminates with this scene in the Egyptian court. Through his gift for interpreting dreams, Joseph rises from being a prisoner of Pharaoh to being second in command. When famine comes to Joseph's homeland the brothers come to Egypt to get food. Joseph is shown as he tells his brothers who he is and that he forgives them. The Joseph story illustrates how God can be trusted even when things go wrong. God can use any and all circumstances to accomplish his purposes. "As for you," said Joseph to his brothers, "you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (Genesis 37, 39-48, 50)
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JACOB
Grandson of Abraham and bearer of the promise of God, to be the ancestor of a great nation. He is remembered for his shrewdness in taking advantage of his brother Esau's hunger and trading a bowl of soup for the birthright Esau had as eldest son. He also beguiled his father, then nearly blind, who gave him the paternal blessing reserved for the eldest son, Esau. This is symbolized by the animal skin over his arm. The mysterious experience he had of wrestling with an angel is shown in the corner. (Genesis 27-28, 32)
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JOSHUA
As successor to Moses, Joshua was well trained to lead his people into the promised land. He is shown leading a military victory against fortified Canaanite cities. The battle of Jericho is the most famous of those victories. Here Joshua is shown blowing the ram's horn. As the people began to shout the walls miraculously came tumbling down. (Joshua 1-24)
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MOSES
Moses is remembered as the great deliverer of God's people in the exodus from Egypt. He is also known as the law giver. He is shown here holding the ten commandments engraved in stone by God. He points upwards to signify that God is their author. The symbol of the serpent around a stick is a reference to the incident when during the wilderness period people were being bit by serpents. In answer to their complaints Moses interceded for them and was told by God to make a serpent of bronze and set it on a pole. Anyone bitten by a serpent who would look at the bronze serpent on the pole would be healed. This insignia is used by the medical community today as a symbol of healing. The burning bush at the bottom depicts Gods call of Moses to become the great deliverer. (Exodus 1-40)
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ELIJAH
Elijah lived in the 9th century B.C. and is considered the first prophet of Israel. God sent him to confront his people with the need to end corrupt religious practices that had been tolerated under the corrupt leadership of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. In this window we see Elijah in the famous scene on Mt. Carmel where a contest has been arranged between himself and the priests of the pagan god, Baal. Elijah asks his people "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." The test was simple: the God who answers by fire would be the real God. The pagan priests prayed to Baal without success. Then Elijah made sure the sacrifice was thoroughly drenched with water. God answered his prayer with fire that consumed the slain bull, the wood, the stones, and the water in the trench. All the people solemnly agreed that "the Lord, He is God!" (1 Kings 17- 2 Kings 2)
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RUTH
Here we see Ruth, her mother-in-law, Naomi and Ruth' s second husband, Boaz. She is shown in her role as one who did not return to her native Moab following the death of her fist husband , but in loyalty to his family, she went back to Bethlehem with Naomi to begin a new life. She is allowed to work in the field of Naomi's wealthy relative, Boaz, who later marries Ruth. Ruth becomes the ancestor of King David an ancestor of Jesus. (Ruth 1-4)
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THE ARK
Noah is depicted in the Bible as the father of a family in a morally depraved world was able to live a God-pleasing way. He is a figure who stands for righteousness in spite of what the crowd is doing, and reminds us that God will honor and protect those who honor Him. The flood story tells us of the absolute sovereignty of God over His creation, and that He is the author of life in all its forms. Most of all it reminds us that we are accountable to Him for the way we make moral choices. (Genesis 6-10)
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DAVID
David, the former shepherd and musician who played the lyre and harp, was the "man after God's own heart" who became Israel's best known king. The scepter in his hand and the crown on his head, together with the six-pointed star which was later used as a national symbol, all attest to the place of prominence given to David in Jewish history. The Hebrew people continually looked for a Messiah to come with the kingly ideals personified by David. The Messiah did come and his humanity was directly descended from David. (1 Samuel 16 - 2 Samuel 24, 1 Kings 1-2)
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JOB
Job's forlorn expression is appropriate for one who kept pondering the mystery of why innocent people suffer. The animals depict the prosperity which Job lost and later regained; the stream of light symbolizes the close relationship he had with God and his steadfast faith in spite of his suffering. The three men are shown who tried to "comfort" him by prodding him into repenting for sins he did not commit. The blue glass shows the famous whirlwind from which Job heard the voice of God telling him that he must learn to live with the riddle of innocent suffering and to be content to trust God in all things. (Job 1-42)
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ISAIAH
Although this prophet of God lived some 700 years before Jesus, he predicted the birth of the Messiah and described his future ministry in amazing detail. Here his book is open to Chapter 11 where he predicts that the Messiah will come from the line of David (indicated by a tree and the star of David), and that he will usher in the beginning of a new era where God will begin to restore harmony and peace to the world. This is symbolized by his picture of the lion and the calf lying down together. (Isaiah 11)
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THE FIERY FURNACE
In bold defiance of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, where many Jews were living in captivity, three friends of Daniel by the names of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refuse to worship the king's golden image. They are thrown into a fiery furnace, but God miraculously intervenes to protect, them in such a way that not even their hair is singed nor any smell of fire is on them. The king is amazed to see them in the fire walking around and a fourth person who, in the king's words, "looks like a son of the gods." The story shows us the virtue of loyalty to God at all costs, and the importance of never compromising our faith in Him. (Daniel 1-12)
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Windows on the South Side of the Nave
(Right as you face the Altar)
MARY, AND JESUS IN THE MANGER
This first window on the south side of the church depicts the familiar story told by Luke about Jesus' birth in a stable because there was no room for his family in the inn. Mary "wrapped him in swaddling clothes (used by women in Palestine to keep their infants safe and warm), and laid him in a manger." This event reminds us of Jesus' humble birth, even though he is the King of kings. (Luke 2)
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THE WISE MEN
Matthew tells us in his Gospel that wise men came from the East seeking to worship the new-born king. They offered him gifts of gold, (as a king, paying him tribute), frankincense, (as God, for they honored God with the smoke of incense), and myrrh, (as a Man that should die, for myrrh was used in embalming dead bodies). Note the cross in the bottom right-hand corner which serves as a reminder that Jesus came to die as the Savior of the world. (Matthew 2)
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BOY JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
Luke, alone, of the Gospel writers relates this story of Jesus' visit to Jerusalem with his parents when he was twelve years old for the feast of the Passover. When Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was missing on the journey home, they returned to Jerusalem finding him in the temple discussing the law with the teachers, "listening to them and asking them questions." All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. (Luke 2)
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BAPTISM OF JESUS
Jesus went to John to be baptized by him in the Jordan River. Jesus said to John that it was to A fulfill all righteousness. As Jesus was baptized the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove (seen in this window.) A voice from heaven was also heard saying "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3)
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JESUS WITH THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
On His way to Galilee, Jesus and disciples stopped in Sychar, a city of Samaria. At the well Jacob, Jesus begins to talk to a Samaritan woman. Note the well and the rope used to draw the water in the background this window. Jesus through His questions and wisdom, led this woman to faith and salvation. During this conversation Jesus tells her, "Every one who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4)
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RESURRECTION MORNING
On the first Easter morning, Mary the mother of James, Mary Magdalene and Salome (seen in the bottom left hand corner) went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. The angel at the doorway to the tomb, now empty, announces the Good News, "He has risen, He is not here." Note the empty tomb in the window, the empty crosses and the Chi Rho letters, the first Greek letters of the word Christ. (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24)
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ASCENSION OF JESUS
The ascension of Jesus into heaven, after which our church is named, is illustrated in this window. Jesus ascended into heaven as the glorified Christ to be with the Heavenly Father. The disciples who stand looking up as Jesus ascends, are now apostles, commissioned to proclaim the Good News of salvation in. the name of Jesus.
(Luke 24, Acts 1) |
PENTECOST
Pentecost, fifty days after Passover in the Jewish calendar, was the day on which the Holy Spirit descended as with "tongues of fire" upon the apostles (seen in the window). The coming of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus brought power to the apostles who preached that same day saving thousand who heard the good news and believed. (Acts 2)
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PALM SUNDAY
The scene of this window recalls Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem when the disciples and the crowds cut palm branches, laid their cloaks in His path and proclaimed Him as the Messiah shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the Highest!" Jesus was mounted on an ass, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah, and signifying that He came to bring peace. (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19) |
THE CROSS OF CHRIST
This window is full of symbols which we see at the foot of the cross. To the left of the cross is a Roman soldier, one of the executioners. On the other side are the clouds and the darkened sun. John and Mary stand at the foot of the cross. We know from the Gospel of John that Jesus gave John the responsibility to care for His mother. At the bottom of the window, there are four symbols taken from the passion of Jesus: the pillar of scourging, where Jesus was beaten with the whip of cords, the crown of thorns, the seamless cloak for which soldiers cast lots, and the three nails used to hang Jesus on the cross. (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19)
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JESUS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE
In this scene we see Jesus kneel in the garden on the night on which he was betrayed. The disciples are asleep on the left, and the cup symbolizing the ordeal of suffering and death which Jesus faced is over His head. From the gospel of Luke we know Jesus prayed, "Father if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine be done." ( Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22)
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THE LAST SUPPER
In the upper room Jesus celebrated the last supper and the Passover with His disciples. He gave the elements of bread and wine a new meaning as the New Covenant was instituted with His body and blood. The wheat at the bottom of the window and the grapes are a reminder of the ingredients of the bread and the wine. (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22)
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JESUS APPEARS TO THE DISCIPLES
After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples on a number of occasions. This window recalls the appearance of Jesus to the disciples in the upper room. Jesus spoke the reassuring words, "Peace be with you." There was no doubt in their minds that He was the risen and living Lord.
(John 20: 19-23) |
JESUS AND THOMAS
When Jesus appeared to the disciples, Thomas was absent. Suddenly, Jesus appeared to the disciples again, especially so Thomas could believe. After he placed his hands in Jesus' wounds, in His hands and sides, Thomas knelt and cried, "My Lord and my God." Jesus responded, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20: 24-29)
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Narthex Windows
(South side; from Right to Left)
THE SOWER
The first of these windows in the narthex depicts the sower going out to sow the seed in the field. He is casting the seed upon the rocky ground, the shallow ground, the soil with the thorns and also the good soil. Jesus taught and interpreted this parable about the Word of God. Only the seed which falls upon the good soil is fruitful and produces a harvest. The good soil is likened to those who hear the Word, accept it and bear fruit in their lives. (Matthew 13: 1-23, Mark 4: 3-20, Luke 8: 4-15) |
THE PRODIGAL SON
Probably the best known and loved of all the parables of Jesus, this parable teaches that the character of God is like a loving Father. This window shows the moving scene of the wayward son returning to the forgiving, loving embrace of his father. (Luke 15: 11-32)
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THE GOOD SAMARITAN
Jesus taught this parable to answer the question, "Who is my neighbor?" The Samaritan man who healed the wounded and robbed the traveler was used as an example by Jesus to teach that everyone is our neighbor, especially those in need whom we meet. The window shows the Samaritan anointing the man's wounds with oil for comfort and healing. (Luke 10: 29-37)
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NICODEMUS AT NIGHT
Nicodemus, a Jewish teacher of the law, came to Jesus by night, hence the stars in this window. Nicodemus had heard of Jesus' ability to perform miracles and His use of authority in teaching. Surprisingly, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again to see the kingdom of God. (John 3: 1-21)
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JESUS STILLS THE WAVES
As Jesus was asleep in the boat on the Sea of Galilee, a storm arose endangering the boat because of the waves. The disciples were afraid of dying. Jesus stood to calm the storm, shown here in this scene, by saying, "Peace, be still." (Matthew 8: 18-27, Mark 4: 35-41, Luke 8: 22-25) |
THE RAINBOW
After the rain stopped, Noah first sent out a raven, then a dove to see if the waters had dried on the face of the earth. After the dove returned the second time with the olive leaf in her beak, Noah knew that the waters had subsided. God made a covenant with Noah and set the sign of the rainbow in the sky, seen in this window, that he would never destroy the earth again with a flood. (Genesis 9: 8-17)
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SWORD OF THE SPIRIT AND THE LAMP
These two symbols represent the Word of God. In the letter to the Hebrews we learn that God's Word is likened to a sharp two edged sword. The "sword of the Spirit" is also mentioned by Paul (Ephesians 6:17). The lamp, compared to the Word of God, comes from the verse of the psalm, A Thy Word is like a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)
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CHI RHO AND THE VINE
Two themes are combined in this window. The letters, Chi and Rho, are the first two in the Greek spelling of Christ (Christos). The name, Christ in Greek means the one who is anointed, i.e., the Messiah. In the center of the window is a cluster of grapes representing the fruitfulness that comes from abiding in Christ. (John 15:5)
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Narthex Windows
(North side; from Left to Right)
THE RICH YOUNG RULER
Mark tells us that a young man came to Jesus asking what he might do to inherit eternal life. Jesus quoted to him the commandments Moses gave. The young man said he had been trying to keep them. Noticing the young man's obvious wealth, Jesus then asked him to sell his possessions, give to the poor and then come back as His disciple. But the young man rejected Jesus' suggestion, as shown by the gesture he is making. We are told that he "went away sorrowful," wanting what Jesus had to offer but not badly enough to let go of material satisfactions.
(Matthew 19, Mark 10, Luke 18) |
THE TRANSFIGURATION
On a high mountain where Jesus had taken Peter, James and John on retreat, the three disciples have a vision. Elijah and Moses appear and are speaking to Jesus whose clothes become dazzling white. While Peter enjoys the mystical experience he asks Jesus to keep it from terminating. At that moment he hears a voice from the cloud saying This is my beloved Son; listen to him. The vision is intended by God to teach the three intimate friends of Jesus that the ministry of their Master is the fulfillment of what He had done earlier through the Law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah). (Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9)
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THE WIDOW'S MITE
Standing near the temple entrance where the collection box was located Jesus commented on the obvious contrast between the valuable gifts made by the wealthy and the widow's donation of two copper coins,. He points out that she has put in "more" than all the others. Giving is to be measured proportionately as we compare how much we give against the total amount of the whole. (Matthew 21, Mark 12)
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ZACCHAEUS
The chief tax collector in the City of Jericho was small in stature and climbed up into a sycamore tree to get a good look at Jesus as He came through town one day. Jesus noticed him and asked if he might stay at Zacchaeus' house that night. While we do not know what was discussed we know that Zacchaeus completely changed his lifestyle as a result of that meeting. He promised to give half of his income to the poor and restore four times what he had defrauded anyone. Jesus summarized the purpose of His ministry as He remarked to Zacchaeus, "The Son of man came to seek and save the lost."
(Luke 19) |
JESUS BLESSING CHILDREN
Jesus saw in children the qualities of sincerity, teachable-ness, and simple trust which are so often missing in adults. Children felt drawn to Him and comfortable in His presence. Making of them an illustration, he commented, "Truly, I say to you whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." Then He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands upon them.
(Matthew 19, Mark 10, Luke 18) |
FEEDING OF THE 5,000
This miracle story is recorded in all of the Gospels. A young lad contributes five loaves and two fish to Jesus, who in turn multiplies them to become enough to feed the entire multitude. Twelve baskets of leftovers are gathered up afterwards. The story shows that Jesus is concerned for our physical as well as our spiritual needs. It also shows that when we put all we have at God's disposal and offer it for His use, somehow it becomes more than enough to meet the need. The Chi Rho symbol stands for Christ; the bread and fish for the little food that was donated, the basket for the leftovers that remained.
(Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6) |
THE SCALES
A balance scale has always been a symbol of justice and is used here to signify the judgment of God which all of us will one day face. The scepter and crown of a king in the background at the top remind us that God has given the authority to judge to Jesus and that our standing with God ultimately rests upon what we do or do not do with His Son's invitation to believe in Him.
(Daniel 5: 24-28, Daniel 7: 9-14, Matthew 25: 32-46, Revelation 19: 11-16) |
THE ANCHOR
The anchor has always been a symbol of Christian hope. Our security is certain if we are "anchored" in the promises of God's Word (shown here as the open Bible) and as we follow Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The Greek word for fish (Icthus) was a secret password used by early Christians to identify themselves as believers. Each letter in the Greek word for fish stands for a word in a short creed: Jesus Christ, Son of God, the Savior. (Hebrews 7: 17-20)
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