The Narthex: Christ the Good Shepherd

 The Narthex window, facing south and located near the main doors on the south side of the building, is unlike any of the other windows in that it lacks either medallion or scripture identification.  Part of the original design plan (see Aisle Concept page, where it is marked with an X), it was completed in February 1949.

Narthex Window:  
Christ the Good Shepherd

According to the original order, the window "is devoted to Christ the Good Shepherd, with the Shepherd's crook and the lamb in his arms." 

As the image on the left shows, the main panel presents a full figure of Christ, as described in the order, wearing a red mantle and white gown, similar to his appearance in the Chancel window.  

He has the tri-radiant halo, signifying his membership in the Trinity.  The three bands are red, rather than gold, which differs from most of Christ's halos shown in the aisle panels, except the nativity, where the bands are also red.  Not sure what this means, except that Charles Connick indicated that red symbolized "divine love, passionate devotion, and self sacrifice" (see Project Concept page), all of which are qualities of Christ the Good Shepherd.  NOTE:  see the photo of the full window, below, where the bands appear gold instead of red.  Perhaps this has something to do with the amount of light flowing through the window?  I will have to look at it more closely, under different light conditions to figure this out!

Likewise, the prevalence of deep blue provides an over-riding sense of peace, allowing us to rest in the promise that, with the Lord as our Shepherd, we shall not want (Psalm 23).  The colored border glows in the sunlight like gems without distracting from the calm of the blue background.

Above the main panel, the header panels include flames in the center of each oval, suggesting the flames of divine love, or, perhaps, the presence of the Holy Spirit.

While the panel is titled "The Good Shepherd," referencing the text of Window 6a (I am the Good Shepherd), the colors and imagery remind me more of the assurances found in Psalm 23, especially when I read the dedication, which is given in memory of a young man by his parents:  surely they found some peace in seeing Jesus holding the lamb in his arms, knowing that their child was safe in Christ's loving arms.

Psalm 23 (RSV)

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, thank you for your continued and comforting presence in our lives.  Help us remember that you hold us in your arms, through good times and bad, and that you have prepared for us a place in your heavenly kingdom.  Help us rest in the calm blues of your care, even when our lives and the world around us are turbulent. Amen.

The full window installation,
showing the header and dedication.

Window Dedication:  

Given in Memory of Melvin Earl Nelson
 by his Parents Omar and Ottilie Nelson