Grace United Methodist Church

Alamogordo, New Mexico

This window concentrates on the Baptism of Jesus and the Transfiguration, symbolizing Jesus as a prophet.  In both these events, Jesus is designated by God as "My Beloved Son".

The upper portion (seen here) of the window symbolized the Transfiguration of Christ with a glowing, translucent crown surrounded by a light background.  On the right side of the crown is a flaming chariot symbolizing the Prophet Elijah and on the left side is a Tau Cross symbolizing Moses. 

The dove in the uppermost portion of the window surrounded by flames symbolized the Holy Spirit engulfing these two significant events in the life of Jesus.

Epiphany Window

This window represents the Epiphany, which means the 'appearance', focusing on the Incarnation, the manifestation of Emmanuel (God with us).

St John the evangelist is symbolized in the lower portion of the window by the eagle.  He is represented in this window because the whole of his gospel is dominated by mystery of the Incarnation.  Christ is symbolized the Alpha and Omega and by the grain which suggests the human nature of Christ.

The starburst in the top of the window and the pitcher, cask and jar symbolize the visit of the Magi with their gifts for the Christ child

Advent & Christmas Window

This window is the story of the Christ of Advent and Christmas.  St Luke, symbolized by winged bull is in this window because of the Christmas narrative in his gospel  A tree-like form symbolizing the Tree of Jessee rises behind a scepter and crown representing Christ based on Numbers 24:17 "...the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings". 

At the top of the sunburst, the flames turn into wing-like forms representing the heavenly host with two angels at the top of of the window heralding the Birth of Christ.

Easter & the Resurrection Window

This window celebrates Easter and the Resurrected Christ.  The winged lion symbolizing St Mark is at the bottom of the window reminding us of the importance of his Gospel of the manifestation of the crucified Messiah.

The lilies are an important symbol of the Resurrection.  They are surrounded by laurel leaves, the symbol for victory.  Above the lilies is found a cross with the Greek letter ICXC, an abbreviation for Jesus, and NIKA, an abbreviation for victor or conqueror, reminding us of Christ's victory over death.

The sun at the top of the cross reminds us of Jesus' two designations, Son of Man and Son of God.

This window represents the healing aspect of Jesus' ministry.  In the bottom portion of the window is found the representation of the healing of the man at the pool of Bathesda.  The five arches are in the background.  The Chi Rho symbolized Christ.  The hands of Christ and the golden flame-like design emanating from the hands symbolize the power of Christ's healing.

The dark sphere in the upper portion of the window gains light and becomes bright, symbolizing the giving of sight to the blind.  The cross reminds us of Christ who is the source of healing power.

Lenten & Crucifixion Window

This window symbolized the Lenten season and the crucifixion.  Purple, the color of Lent, combined with the thorny thistle at the bottom of the window reminds us of Christ's passion.

The grapes, wheat, chalice and host are symbols of the Last Supper.  On the host is found a large cross with four smaller crosses representing the five wounds Christ suffered during the Crucifixion.  The cross with banner in the background also symbolizes the Crucifixion.

The moon and the sun symbolize the sorrow of the universe at the Crucifixion.

Sermon on the Mount Window

This window concentrates on Jesus as a preacher.  The lower portion contains the winged man as a symbol for St Matthew to remind us of the concern in his Gospel for the coming of the Kingdom of God.

In the bottom of the middle portion of the window, under the cross, a green mustard seed is found.  This seed radiates into a tree symbolizing the parable of the mustard seed, which when grown becomes the largest tree of all so that the birds can shelter in its branches.

The symbol of the center of the window is a Latin cross combined with the equilateral triangle of the Holy Trinity.  This combination serves to remind us that the salvation is the work of Jesus Christ prompted by the love of the Father and received through the work of the Holy Spirit.