Stained Glass Windows: In the Commons
In 1982, six faceted slab glass windows in Commons I were a memorial gift as part of the January 10 dedication of the Parish Life Center Building. The windows depict the natural seasons and the Christian calendar and were given in memory of Gertrude Vander Broek by the Vander Broek family. Following is the interpretation by J. Hector, the designer of the windows.
Advent:
The purple color suggests the penitential time, a time of preparation. The small slip of green with pure white flower is still in the womb of the earth. Above is the water and the Tree of Life reaching up to the heaven. Through the golden leaves the pale tip of the new moon is seen through the tree. Purple is also the royal color and here heralds the coming of the King. The white flower of purity and faith is also associated with the Virgin Mary, as is the moon which is the symbol of the eternal feminine.
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Christmas:
The Sun is rising bringing new life, the pure gold of unity and wholeness to light the world. Like a halo it appears above the purple where the manger cradles the new born King. A brighter ray of light above suggests the Spirit now incarnate upon earth below. The alpha and omega signs appear in the band of brown or flesh tones suggestging the sense of earth and humanity.
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Epiphany:
The guiding star shines in the heaven as a message to mankind that Christ is born. Below, the candle light the darkness expressing the theme of Epiphany as Christ's light shows forth to the world.
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Lent:
The deep tones of red and purple suggest the sacrificial blood and the wine, symbols of the Passion of Our Lord crucified. Below the Cross is the Chalice and the green leaf, sign that the earth is soon to spring into new life.
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Easter:
The white lilies appear in a field of flowers and bright greenery with many tulips. At the top of the window upon wings outspread appears the word HOPE, for this is the time of the Resurrection of the Lord.
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Pentecost:
The Dove, image of the Holy Spirit, descends to earth with tongues of flame. The image of Holy Baptism is expressed in the meeting of the Fire and the Water - the Spirit touches the Water of life. The Sun appears amidst the leaves of the Tree in rich summer greens, completing the seasons. So as in the beginning is in the end - fruit, seed, flower and fruit again.
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