NEW TESTAMENT WINDOW #1
INCARNATION:
GOD'S WILL EXPRESSED IN HIS WORD.
The first window on the right nearest the alter tells the story of God's will expressed in His Word through the Incarnation. The window takes its subject matter from the first three chapters of St. John's Gospel. The window parallels the Old Testament window on creation because with Christ we have a new creation. Christ is the new Adam. Jesus Christ is the Word of God made man: the new creation who has his existance from the beginning of time.
This window uses the same areas of light and dark forms as does the Old Testament window on creation. The sun behind the Christ figure is the symbol of the unconquerable Sun. This is the only symbol which refers to a birth narrative. It does so because it is from the Roman holiday of the winter equinox on December twenty-fifth that we get our Christmas date; and it was adopted and used theologically by the early Church as a strong symbol for new life and the birth of light since it's around this date that the Christ figure stands, symbolic of new life in the Old Testament window, is symbolic of the Baptism scene found in the Gospel of St. John. The waters of Baptism symbolizing new life in Christ. Above Christ's head is a descending dove. It is the same dove as found in the Old Testament window; but it is larger and more powerful. The Baptism, then, becomes the first manifestation of Jesus' "glory." The Word (Christ) has become flesh in order to bring the new life of salvation.
The theme of creation through God's Word is continued in the ministry of Jesus. Below the water is a fish. The fish is a symbol for Christ and His calling of the twelve. Also in this window is a lamb which refers to John the Baptist's statement about Jesus: "Behold the Lamb of God." It's counterpart in the Old Testament window is the Ram, a symbol both of power and sacrifice. Also in this window are vessels into which water is flowing. This recalls the marriage feast of Cana where the first of Christ's signs was worked in the initiation of His public ministry. It is also in marriage that men and women experience Christ's new life and new creation. The three lilies symbolize Mary's acceptance of God's will and her role in the saving event of Christ. Mary's role is also a response of mankind; of saying yes to all of God's creation and acknowledging the fact that it is very good.
