Jesus spoke: "It is written in the Prophets: They will all be taught by God.
Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me." ... John 6:45

There are but a few things in this world that are universally thought beautiful. Several that come to mind are sunsets, babies' smiles and, perhaps, stained glass windows. This modest Running In Faith devotional message reflects a bit on the third of these subjects.

Every stained glass window in the world is individually designed and crafted, so each and every one is unique ... truly, one of a kind. Without becoming too pedantic it is worthy of note that as far back as 500 A.D. early Christian churches had primitive forms of stained glass, principally decorative. By 1000 A.D. this decorative art became a biblical instructional aid "for the unlettered." Today few of us are illiterate; hence these wonderful pieces of fenestrated religious art often tend to become mere decorative backdrops, rather than purposeful educational images.

Our own beautiful stained glass medallion-windows do touch my heart and stimulate reflective thinking. As I meditate for a few moments before the pastor commences our worship services, I often select one of these stylized representations at the side of the sanctuary and contemplate its special story albeit, I cannot always divine the deeper theological significance of that Biblical event. More important, though, is the fact it does provoke me to sincerely reflect upon my own Faith and Christian roots. For me, it's always a helpful way to get into a "right" frame of mind prior to the start of the Service of Word and Sacrament.

We have thirty-seven beautiful and unique stained glass windows at APLC. These stylized artistic representations of biblical events can indeed provoke pious contemplation and reflection:

The Old Testament windows:
  · Creation
  · Adam and Eve
  · Parting of Red Sea
  · Mt. Sinai and Tablets of Law
  · Lineage of David
  · Prophesy of Amos
 
and The New Testament windows:
  · Revelation: the New Jerusalem
  · Pentecost
  · Garden Tomb
  · The Crucifixion
  · Feeding of the 5000
  · River Jordan and Baptism of Christ.
 
And, of course, there are the panels for each of the four seasons in the apse, including the Alpha and Omega windows. Lastly, there is the Luther Rose (or Seal) over doors at the entrance of our church.

Each of these 37 windows provides God's instruction for us, reminding us we are continually taught by the Father as promised by Jesus in the Gospel written by John in Chapter Six.

     Before each Worship Service, we might pray:
Dear God, bless the decisions of this church, as we work together in your mission. Give us faith to follow where our Savior Jesus Christ has led the way, trusting in you above everything, for Jesus sake. Amen
     Lutheran Service Book and Hymnal

Contributed by Jack P.
Published Sunday August 21, 2005
Week 39 of Liturgical Year A