This is the spring window. The legend of the dogwood is that Christ’s crucifix was made of the wood from a dogwood tree, and since that time, the dogwood has never grown large enough to be used for that purpose again. The dogwood flower expresses the new life and hope of spring as well as the Resurrection. Spring is the end of the penitential season and the beginning of the renewal of life. Red, the color of the cardinals, denotes hope, life, immortality, and fruitfulness.

This is the summer window. The fish, mountains, and water represent summer. Water also represents baptism. Fish were the earliest Christian symbol. The dragonfly, like the butterfly, is a symbol of Christ’s resurrection and transformation. The dragonfly leaves the pupa and soars upward with a new body, so through Jesus Christ, His followers are borne to a new life. It also represents the journey of the soul from life on earth, through death and the emergence of eternal life. The lotus, with its roots in the mud, suggests that a Christian may rise above evil influences.

“The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” (Isaiah 35:1) The rose symbolizes the Messiah, the nativity, the birth of our Lord. In addition, the rose is a widely used figure for our Lord’s mother, Mary. This association led to its also becoming a symbol for Christ’s human birth and His humanity. The red rose also symbolizes the blood of Christ shed for our sins. Blue, the color of the birds, denotes truth, constancy, justice, and God.

This is the Christmas window. The angel of the Lord announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds. The star was the guiding light of the birth of Christ and symbolized Christ as the light of the world and his triumph over darkness. The evergreen is the symbol of eternal Life and points upward to God, the eternal giver. The snow represents the purity of the Virgin Mary. The poinsettia is a favored flower which adorns our church and homes during the Christmas season.

The chalice, representing Christ’s blood, and the bread, representing Christ’s body, are the sacraments of the Lord’s Supper or Holy Eucharist. This communion was an early symbol of Christian fellowship and continues to be a source of spiritual nourishment that strengthens and sustains our relationship with God. It is a continual remembrance of the sacrifice our Lord made for each of us. “Take; this is my body… This is my blood…” (Mark 14:22-24)

The cross is a reminder of our Lord’s saving work of redeeming mankind through His sacrifice for our sins, bringing forgiveness and salvation. Dying, Jesus said: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:24) Then came the Resurrection and Ascension. The cross reminds us of the triumph of life over death and Christ’s enduring presence among His people.