Our Stained Glass Windows

Advent

The Advent windows are located on the east and west side of the narthex. Advent is the first season of the church year. It begins with the Sunday on or nearest St. Andrew's Day (November 30) and ends on Christmas Eve. This season prepares Christians for the coming of Christ. The symbols are drawn from the word of the prophets.

The many small stars represent God's promise to Abraham. Genesis 22:17 I will indeed bless you, and I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven. The rising sun and the branch are prophetic symbols for Jesus, as in Malachi 4:2 But for you who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings, and in Zechariah 3:8 Behold, I will bring my servant the Branch.

The roses refer to the coming nativity. The white or mystic rose is symbolic of the Virgin and the red rose of martyrdom or divine love. The rose also stands for love and reminds us of the words from John 3:6 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

The color of Advent is violet, signifying a time of penitence and preparation for the coming of Christ.

The Tau Cross, used in the openings toward the sanctuary, is said to be the form of staff, which Moses raised up in the wilderness. It is also called the Cross of the Old Testament, Prophetic Cross, and Anticipatory Cross. These names identify the cross with the foreshadowing of Christ, his advent, and the cross of his crucifixion.