Window 10b: The Ascension

Window 10b illustrates Jesus' ascension:

And he led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them and carried up into heaven.  And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. (Luke 24:50-52).

Window 10b:   "He was received up
into heaven". Mark 16:19

In the image medallion, we see Christ (the largest figure), his hands stretched out in blessing, light radiating outward from him in all directions.  Under his feet we see blue, suggesting that he is already above the ground, rising above the apostles.  

His hands and feet all bear the marks of the nails, reminders of his crucifixion; the overall shape of his body, with hands outstretched, likewise reminds us of the shape of the cross.

Kneeling below him, the eleven apostles look up as he ascends, hands clasped.

In the symbol medallion, we see a crown with a staff that, at first glance, resembles the "cross and crown" icon that is used to symbolize the reward in heaven that follows earthly trials.  This interpretation meshes nicely with Jesus' earthly experience.

However, the top of the rod is a lily rather than the typical crosspiece. Medieval emperors wore a crown with lilies to symbolize their lordship over multiple lands (kings). At Historic Trinity (located in Detroit, MI), the "cross and lily" icon is described as "symbolic of our Risen Lord, King of Kings and Lord of Lords."  

The lilies in the medieval crown (and the one pictured at Historic Trinity) are twining the crown rather than on the end of a rod.  While medieval crown icon is similar to the one depicted in Window 10b, we are also reminded of the  staff carried by the angel and Joseph in Windows 1a and 1b, where it represents both purity and rebirth (Easter).  The lily reminds us of Christ's perfect sacrifice, even as we celebrate his kingship. 

The shape of the lily, as a rod rather than a plant, makes it similar to a scepter, a symbol of royalty. Together, with the crown, this is a strong symbol of Christ's lordship, in addition to a reminder of his triumph over death as our risen Lord.

Prayer (from the Lutheran Book of Worship):

Almighty God, your only Son was taken up into heaven and in power intercedes for us.  May we also come into your presence and live forever in your glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, 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