Stained Glass Symbols in Beacon Heights’ Sanctuary

The story of Jesus, from Nativity to Ascension, was designed in glass by artist Robert Berg. In the central window a modern Cross predominates. Twining the cross is the Vine, Christ, from which comes new life (symbolic Grapes) through His witnesses, the Church, as the "branch bears fruit." The Flower at the center of the cross also can represent Christ, the "Rose of Sharon."

Twelve stages of Jesus' life are portrayed in the figures surrounding the cross. Beginning in the upper left corner and continuing counter-clockwise, see (1) the Star of Nativity, (2) the Scroll, suggesting Jesus study in the synagogue and at the Temple at age 12, (3) the Saw and Square, tools of the Carpenter, and (4) the dripping Shell, signifying Jesus' Baptism. (5) The Serpent, alluding to the temptation of Jesus, is backed by two Greek letters XP (Chi-Rho), from the Greek name for Christ XPictoc.

(6) The Tablets of law, and a Cross in a heart suggest Jesus teaching His Law of Love, fulfilling the Ancient Jewish laws. (7) The Light encircling the letters, IHS, symbolize his transfiguration; IHS is formed from the Greek word IHCoyc, for Jesus. (8) The palm branches tell of the Triumphal entry into Jerusalem while (9) the Cross and the Chalice, and (10) the Crown of thorns represent the Passion of our Lord.

(11) The Lillies, familiar emblem of the Resurrection, and (12) the Winged Crown atop the Cross portray the Ascension of the Christ and His "Eternal Crown of Glory", triumphantly concluding the graphic story of the life of Christ.

Interwoven with the Jesus Story of the central window is the Gospel of John's "I am" theme, seen on the chancel table and the six windows on the walls of the sanctuary: I am (John 6:35) the Bread of Life, (8:12) the Light of the World, (10:9) the Door, (10:11) The Good Shepherd, (11:25), The Resurrection and the Life, (14:6) the Way, the Truth and the Life, and (15:5) the Vine.

West Window

Twining upon the modern cross that is centered in this window is the vine illustrating Christ’s statement, “I am the Vine, ye are the branches” (John 15:5), which is also inscribed on the communion table. Dots scattered about the vine may be interpreted as grapes—the branches bearing fruit. A flower-like figure at the center of the cross suggests the Rose of Sharon, another name for Jesus.

The twelve stages of Christ’s life are arranged about the cross without drawing attention from the central design.

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