The church (part one)

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love (Psalm 48:9).

A feature of most churches is the stained glass window.  Colored glass has been manufactured since the time of Egypt’s Pharaohs, but the earliest examples of stained glass in a church window date from the 4th century.  This art form reached its peak in Gothic architecture when cathedral windows became an intricate work of craftsmanship.

Why use stained glass in churches?  Partly because it stimulates the right emotions for worship.  Scripture tells us that God is light (John 1 John 1:5); it is only fitting, then, that His churches be filled with all the beautiful colors of the spectrum.  Jesus also said, You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14, 16). At night, the beautiful light shining out from church windows serves as an invitation to people who are oppressed by the darkness.

Many stained glass windows feature scenes from the Bible—events like Jesus walking on the water, Moses giving the Ten Commandments, and our Lord’s crucifixion.  Back in the days when most people couldn’t read, church windows reminded them of the most important stories from the Bible.  Other windows are covered with symbols—an open book representing the Bible, a wet clam shell that symbolizes baptism, a loaf of bread and a cup of wine that remind us of the Lord’s Supper.  Such images help worshipers focus their minds on the sacred things of God.

Banners serve the same purpose as stained glass windows.  Although they do not shine with colored light, banners can be changed according to the church season.  Christmas banners might picture angels blowing trumpets, a star shining over Bethlehem, or reverent adults kneeling by a manger.  Banners in Lent feature symbols of Christ’s suffering, like a group of nails or a crown of thorns.  Flowers on Easter banners picture the new life that is ours thanks to Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.   

Whether it be a stained glass window or a banner, church art exists to provide inspiration and instruction.  When you attend worship, arrive a little early so you can look at these works of art and meditate on the message they convey.  They are designed to prepare your heart and mind for sending time with the Savior.