Welcome back to Windows Wednesday! Today and next week we will be examining the balcony windows in the Sanctuary. As a pair, they show the presence of the Holy Spirit in the world through God’s love for man and man’s love for God, and they are very densely packed with imagery. Today’s window is the west window, balcony window A: God’s Love for Man.

At the top of the window, we see the Holy Spirit depicted in the form of a seven-fold flame. This image draws from the Book of Isaiah and the Book of Revelation in describing seven aspects to the Spirit of God. This shows God’s love for us in His presence with us. Beginning below that, we see a progression of images of God’s love for us. The fruits of the earth are depicted in a cornucopia: milk, bread, fruit and vegetables. Then, we see church bells ringing, and an open Bible representing spiritual inspiration.

Next, we see a family gathered around a fireplace in mutual love and understanding. A painter’s palette, an architect’s triangle and plumbline, a lamp, a musician’s lyre, and the retort (a piece of laboratory equipment) all show the gifts of the arts and sciences. Clasped hands of brotherhood represent charity and social justice, and a cradle shows the gift of new life.

At the bottom of the window, we see a scene of public worship. This represents not only God’s gift of spirituality and the Church, but also the privilege of freedom of assembly and religion that we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America. This is a fitting reminder to exercise our civic duty to vote next Tuesday, March 15! Click or scroll over the image below to see the artist’s design for this window.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

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About the Author

Adam Alderson is the business manager and director of Resurrection at the United Methodist Church of Kent. He has a B.A. in Classics with a minor in Art History from Kent State University, and enjoys reading, graphic and web design, and singing and acting locally. Adam lives in Stow with his wife, Patti, and son, Alexander.