LIFE OF CHRIST
~ WINDOWS ~

The memorial stained glass windows along the side aisles of the sanctuary were dedicated in 1990, almost nine years after the chancel and interior renovation was begun. Two original windows, together with the cross at the center behind the altar, were dedicated at that time to the Holy Trinity. These twelve windows were dedicated to his glory alone and for the benefit of many who will be inspired by them in years to come!

THE NATIVITY
Similar in color to those behind the altar, this window describes the birth of our Savior in Bethlehem of Judea and is beautifully depicted for us with a sparkling star over the holy night, an angel attending Mary, Joseph and the Child Jesus at the manger.

THE FLIGHT
INTO EGYPT
Due to the orders of a bloodthirsty Herod the Great, who foolishly feared losing his throne to the newborn King and then demanded that all boys under two years be killed, Joseph takes the Child and His mother during the night and leaves for Egypt. Joseph is seen looking back over his shoulder to Bethlehem, and perhaps to some of Herod’s approaching soldiers, as he leads a beast of burden bearing Mary and the Christ Child to refuge away from Herod’s murderous intentions.

THE BOY JESUS
IN THE TEMPLE
This is the familiar story of Jesus at the age of 12 traveling to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover and is told by St. Luke. While there, Jesus went off on his own to the temple, where Mary and Joseph found him in a discussion with the Doctors of the Law who were astonished at his wisdom. Jesus asks Mary, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”

THE CARPENTER’S SON
This window depicts the human nature of our Lord in the tiny village of Nazareth where he grew up as the carpenter’s son (Matthew 13:55). That God chose for his Son the lot of a working person no doubt acquainted Jesus with the feelings of the multitude and prepared him to build, not a building, but a people restored to his heavenly Father.

THE BAPTISM
The baptism of our Lord by his cousin John in the River Jordan is shown. The same John who pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sin of the world,” is the one who consents to baptize Jesus. The Spirit of God descends like a dove and a voice from heaven says: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

THE WEDDING
AT CANA
After forty days and nights in the wilderness, and temptations by the Devil there, Jesus is in Galilee. Here Jesus performed the first of many miracles showing himself to be the Son of God, the promised Messiah. Turning water into wine at the marriage feast was only the beginning of the greatest miracle of all, namely changing sinners to saints through his own life, death and resurrection.

JESUS AND
THE CHILDREN
A favorite picture for all ages, this window displays the portrayal of parents bringing their little ones to him as he taught along the coast of Judea. The disciples felt that Jesus should not be bothered at this important time, but when the Lord heard this he said to them, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

THE TRIAL
BEFORE PILATE
Reflects the Roman governor’s verdict of Jesus’ innocence. Three times, while the Jews falsely accused Jesus, Pilate found him innocent. Each time the Jews cried out all the more that he be crucified. With that Pilate took water, washed his hands of the matter and said, “I am innocent of his man’s blood. See to it yourselves!”

THE WAY OF
THE CROSS
When a criminal had been condemned, even falsely, he was led away to crucifixion. It was on this way of sorrow for us and for our salvation that Simon from Cyrene in Africa was recruited to help bear Jesus’ cross (Mark 15:20-21). Only Jesus however, could bear the full burden of mankind’s sin.

THE CRUCIFIXION
Scene with Mary and another Mary weeping vividly shows the Savior’s love for the world. By his innocent suffering and death on Calvary’s cross, he accomplished our redemption (Matthew 27:33-54). The sign over his head (“I.N.R.I.”) is the charge against him, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

THE RESURRECTION
This Easter window highlights the joyous tidings of St. Matthew. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary are the first to see the empty tomb and to receive the news of the risen Lord. They had been at the cross, had been there when he was buried in the grave, and now they hear the angel, seated on the stone, declare, “He is not here. He is risen!”

THE ASCENSION
Jesus’ ascension is portrayed in the last window. As Luke tells us (24:51), he led his disciples as far as Bethany and while he blessed them “he was parted from them and carried up into heaven.” Here Matthew records the Great Commission of Jesus (28:19-20) to “Go and make disciples of all people, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”