The Chancel Windows

 Three lancet windows rise above the altar at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.  The center window depicts Christ, with attendant angels of praise and prayer on either side.  

Chancel Windows at Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Valley City, ND

While effort was taken to control the color scheme to prevent glare in this west-facing window, the figures glow brightly even on a cloudy day (which was when this photo was taken).  Given how much light comes in through the heads and halos of the three figures, it's a good thing Christ is robed in red and the angels in green!

Under each figure (described below), is a decorative panel, figuring a blue vine or tree growing upwards to the feet of each figure, with alternating red and blue border squares.  The effect is an overall calming blue, bringing a sense of restfulness to the viewer, while the rich red "gems" delight and enrich the view.

Chancel, top of Center Lancet

In a design similar to the header windows in the nave, the header windows of each lancet contains a flame, surrounded by decorative leaves and stars. 

The flames are indicative of the Holy Spirit of Pentecost:  "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost..." (Acts 2:3-4a)

The leaves appear to be be an extension of the vine/tree panels rising in the image panel below each header, while the stars glow surprisingly bright against the peaceful blue and aqua tones of the background.

Christ, Center Lancet Window

The center (and tallest) lancet window depicts "the dominant figure of Christ with outstretched hands, as if saying 'Come unto me'" (original order document), reminding viewers of Christ's promise, 

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

Christ's halo is surrounded by yellow rays of glory.  The white and yellow make this part of the window stand out like a holy light, even on a cloudy day -- the effect is noticeable when one looks up at the window from the congregation.

Christ is robed in a red mantle and white gown.  The white indicates his purity; the red his sacrifice and divine love.  It also controls the light, just as the blues infused on the white undergarment reduce the bright light, and we almost automatically raise our eyes to the face and halo, the part of the image that emphasizes his glory.

Angel of Prayer, Right Lancet Window

The right lancet window shows us the "Angel of Prayer." The angel is robed in green with gold wings banded with red, swinging a gold censor, as described in Revelation 8:3:

"And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne."

Although we don't use incense in our church, the rising smoke of the incense altar in biblical times was a natural symbol of prayers rising to God.  As the Psalmist writes in Psalm 141:2, "Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense."

The amount of light coming through this window is quite muted; the only white on the panel are the halo, several stars, and the cloud on which the angel stands.  In this way, we see that the angel's glory is less than the glory of Christ in the central panel, while still richly evocative in its green and blue with touches of gold and red.

Angel of Praise,
Left Lancet Window

The left lancet window is devoted to the "Angel of Praise."  This angel, also robed in green, is holding a horn (trumpet-like instrument).  The same muted color scheme provides visual balance and helps lead the eye to focus on Christ in the center panel.

It's interesting that "praise" is interpreted as musical performance in this image; we may think of praise in the more muted tones of prayer, but, according to the Psalms, praise is loud and frequently musical:

"Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with the psaltery and harp.  Praise him ... upon the high sounding cymbals.  Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord" (Psalm 150:3, 6a).

While this image was intended to focus on praise, it also reminds us that the image of an angel blowing a horn or trumpet is often interpreted as heralding judgment day:

 "And the seventh angel sounded [his trumpet]; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 11:15).

Thus do the angels lead us in worship today and also keep us mindful of the end of time, when Christ will come again in glory.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for the rest and peace we find in your presence.  As we find comfort in meditating on these windows, infuse our worship with the praise and prayers proper to the wondrous gift of life you have freely given to all those who believe and set their hope on you.  May your Holy Spirit teach and inspire us to become our best selves as we grow in fervent love for you and all your people.  Amen.

Window Dedication:

The chancel windows are given in memory of the Right Reverend P. A. Hendrickson and the Reverend Alfred Hendrickson by Mr. and Mrs. Karl J. Olsen.