Window 1a: The Annunciation

Window 1a:  "Blessed art thou
among women" Luke 1:28

The first window along the North Aisle of the Nave depicts the annunciation.  In the center medallion we see the angel greeting Mary with the words "Blessed art thou among women" (Luke 1:28).  

Mary is kneeling on a cushion, implying that she was already at prayer when the angel appeared.  

At the apex of the medallion is a dove flying downward, symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit.  As the angel says, "The Holy Spirit shall come upon you...therefore, [he] which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35).

The angel is holding a lily, and the symbol medallion also depicts a lily stem, this time with three flowers.  The lily is often associated with purity, chastity, hope, and the Virgin Mary; it also is associated with rebirth and Easter.  Therefore, even at the start of Christ's story, we see a reminder of His eventual passion and resurrection.

The use of three flowers in the symbol medallion perhaps reminds us of the Trinity and the presence of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, united by the stem but expressed by separate blossoms.

Prayer:

Dear Father, help us hold our hearts open for your presence, that we, like Mary, may accept the direction of the Holy Spirit and live our lives according to your will.  Amen.

 

 

Window 1:  The Annunciation and Nativity

Window Dedication:

Window 1 is Donated in Memory of Mrs. and Mrs. Theodore Berg 

by Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Severson and daughter Constance