Posted on Dec 7, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |
Left: XI THE JOHN WESLEY WINDOW; Right: XII THE CIRCUIT RIDER WINDOW
XI THE JOHN WESLEY WINDOW
Top: The United Methodist symbol – The Flame and Cross – the flame is John Wesley’s (founder of the Methodist movement) because he was rescued from burning parsonage as a child. So, he referred to himself as “A brand plucked from the burning.” And also because his own conversion experience was like a fire set in his heart he described his heart being “strangely warmed”. Additionally, the cross reminds us of Christ, and the flame, the fire of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Figure: John Wesley holding a Bible in one hand and holding his other out to people to whom he preached, after his early ministry, he mostly preached outside to any who would listen. He also holds his hand out in a plea to the Church of England of his day to reform. John began the Methodist movement after an inner experience of Christ which resulted in an amazing transformation of his spirit and life.
Posted on Dec 3, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |
Left: VII THE CRUCIFIXTION WINDOW; Right: VIII THE RESURRECTION WINDOW
VIII THE RESURRECTION WINDOW
Top: Butterfly is the symbol of resurrection.
Caterpillar enters the cocoon where he is seemingly lifeless. He will burst forth in beauty to soar in the air, so man shall rise in glory.
Figure: Christ is holding out his pierced hands as he showed them to St. Thomas, the Doubter. A sign that just as Christ died, now he is risen and lives again. (John 20)
Posted on Dec 3, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |
Left: VII THE CRUCIFIXTION WINDOW; Right: VIII THE RESURRECTION WINDOW
VII THE CRUCIFIXTION WINDOW
Top: Whips and scourging which the Roman soldiers used to flog Christ. This represents Christ’s suffering.
Figure: Christ wearing a crown of thorns and carrying the heavy burden of the cross to His crucifixion. (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19)
Posted on Dec 2, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |
Left: VI THE LAST SUPPER WINDOW; Right: V THE PALM SUNDAY WINDOW
VI THE LAST SUPPER WINDOW
Top: Chalice with cross on top is the emblem of Jesus’ agony in the garden, “Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22)
Praying hands of Jesus as he prayed to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Figure: Christ at the Last Supper offering the chalice. On the table we see the loaf of bread and bunch of grapes decorate the front, Christians remember this meal when the celebrate the Lord’s Supper. (Luke 22, Mark 14, John 13-17, Matthew 26)
Posted on Dec 2, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |
Left: VI THE LAST SUPPER WINDOW; Right: V THE PALM SUNDAY WINDOW
V THE PALM SUNDAY WINDOW
Top: The XP or Chi Rho above the mountain signifies the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-7)
XP is ancient monogram for Christ because it is the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ: XPICTOC.
Sermon on the Mount-it was here that Jesus did his most important teachings –
The Lord’s Prayer
Beatitudes
Golden Rule
Figure: Jesus riding on a donkey with palm branches spread before Him. This represents his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to begin his passion, and is celebrated each year on Palm Sunday. (Matthew 21, Mark 11, John 12, Luke 19)
Posted on Dec 2, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |
Left: III THE BAPTISM WINDOW; Right: IV CALLING OF DISCIPLES WINDOW
IV CALLING OF DISCIPLES WINDOW
Top: Inverted latin cross. This is St. Peter’s cross because he was crucified head down as he felt he was not worthy to hang as the Lord did.
Spreading cross is Ansata or St. Andrew’s cross. Andrew, Peter’s brother, was crucified with his legs outstretched.
Money bag represents St. Matthew, who was a tax collector and then became one of the disciples. (Matthew 9)
Small figure is the young, rich ruler who turned and walked away as he could not give up his worldly possessions to follow Christ. (Mark 10, Matthew 19, Luke 18)
Figure: Jesus calling the disciples saying, “Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” (Mark 1, Matthew 4, Luke 5)
Posted on Dec 2, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |
Left: III THE BAPTISM WINDOW; Right: IV CALLING OF DISCIPLES WINDOW
III THE BAPTISM WINDOW
Top: Vision of Satan holding the crown as a symbol of Temptation and the crown he offered to Jesus in the wilderness. (Mark 1, Matthew 4, Luke 4)
Center: Scalloped shell with three drops of water coming out of it depicts Christian Baptism in the name of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28)
Figure: Christ is kneeling in the water at his baptism in the Jordan River. The fish at bottom represents the Greek rebus word (secret symbol or word puzzle) IXOYS (ΙΧΘΥΣ) the Greek letters for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” (Mark 1, Luke 3, Matthew 3)
Posted on Dec 2, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |
Left: II CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE WINDOW; Right: I THE NATIVITY WINDOW
II CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE WINDOW
Top: Pyramids and palm trees represent the flight into Egypt by Joseph, Mary, and Christ Child. (Matthew 2)
Figure: Jesus was a boy of twelve when he went to the Jerusalem with his family for Passover as was the custom. He went alone to the temple and taught among the teachers amazing them all. He is holding a scroll, The Torah, or Old Covenant. (Luke 2)
Posted on Dec 1, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |
The Stained Glass Windows of Christ Church United Methodist
Our windows were made by Judson Studios of California. Instead of being leaded stained glass, they are a new type called faceted glass set in composition of epoxy and sand. The glass is thick and fractured to catch the light and make them more brilliant. (The Air Force Academy was also done by Judson Studios.)
The Stained Glass Windows of Christ Church United Methodist
The front eight windows are on “The Life of Christ.” The upper section of each window contains a symbol that helps tell the story of Christ’s life. The lower two thirds of the window contain figures of Christ. So, each worshipper sits in the presence of the Christ and is surrounded by his love. The beautiful blue background of all windows is to represent heavenly strength, hope, and patience.
The Stained Glass Window Placement
Posted on Dec 1, 2025 in THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS |
Left: II CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE WINDOW; Right: I THE NATIVITY WINDOW
I THE NATIVITY WINDOW
Top: Tongs and burning coal are the symbols of prophet Isaiah. This represents prophecy in the Old Testament. (Isaiah 6)
Center: Cross represents the last step towards fulfillment of the incarnation.
Figure: Mary holding Christ Child in her arms. This was the most previous gift that God gave to the world – His Son.
