Window 10a: The Risen Christ

Window 10 presents events from the beginning and ending of Eastertide (which in the church calendar runs 50 days, from Easter to Pentecost, with the Ascension celebrated at day 40).  In contrast to the rest of the aisle windows, Window 10 has lilies in the header windows (instead of stars or flames), celebrating Christ's resurrection (see photo of full window, bottom of this page).

In the end of the sabbath, as it began toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.  And behold, there was a great earthquake, for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow.  And for fear of him the keepers did shake and became as dead men.  And the angel said unto the women, Fear not ye, for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here:  for his is risen, as he said. (Matthew 28:1-6)

Window 10a:   "He is risen
from the dead". Matthew 28:7

In Window 10a, the image medallion celebrates both Christ's victory over death and reminds us of our responsibilities as Christians.

Christ is represented in white, with hand raised as if instructing the two men seated at his sides.   Christ carries a staff with a banner. This banner with the red cross on a white field symbolizes resurrection -- the red signifies Christ's blood (shed for our sins); the white indicates Christ's sinless nature.  The end of the staff is partially obscured,  but appears to be cross-shaped, a reminder of His death on the cross.

The image is overall militant in nature -- the two men are dressed as soldiers and carry spears, while Christ's banner would also suggest the banners carried in war.  

Christ triumphed over death, but we are reminded that the Church "in this life is still fighting, under the banner of Christ, against Satan, the world, and the flesh" (Heinrich Schmid, Lutheran theologian).  The image reminds me of the hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers" with the depiction of a militant Christ.

The symbol medallion presents the phoenix, a symbol of Jesus' Resurrection.  According to Christiansymbols.net,   Jewish legend held that the phoenix will not die because it did not eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden.  The medieval bestiaries indicate that the phoenix lives 500-1000 years before making a nest that catches fire from the sun; the phoenix is consumed in the flames, but afterwards rises again from the ashes to live another full life.

Together, the image and symbol impart an understanding of the level of sacrifice necessary (death) for Christ to emerge triumphant and lead us to victory and eternal life.

Prayer (from the Lutheran Book of Worship):

O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death.  Make us die every day to sin, so that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on Good, now and forever.  Amen.

Window 10:  The Resurrection; The Ascension

 Window Dedication:

Gratefully dedicated to our friend and benefactor
George W. Mason by the members of the congregation