A Radiant Symbol of Faith

Within the sanctuary of Willow Creek Baptist Church, a captivating art piece graces the upper auditorium—a circular stained glass window. Meticulously crafted by the skilled artist Kathryn Kuehl, this magnificent work evokes a deep sense of wonder and invites everyone on a visual journey through faith, hope, and divine significance.

The Symbolism

Every element of the stained glass window holds a symbolic representation deeply rooted in the truths of the Holy Scriptures. Each vibrant hue and intricate detail tells a story of God's promises, the sacrifice of Christ, and the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit.

Rainbow Colors Circumference

The rainbow colors encircling the window reflect the promises of God, reminding us of His faithfulness and the hope we have in Him. Just as the rainbow in Genesis symbolized God's covenant with Noah, these colors speak of the everlasting promises that encompass our lives.

Amber Background

The amber background represents the Light of the world—Jesus Christ. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life." The radiant amber serves as a constant reminder of the Savior's illuminating presence in our lives.

Crown

The stained glass window features a majestic crown at its pinnacle, symbolizing the sovereignty and authority of Jesus Christ. In 1 Timothy 6:15, Paul declares Him as the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. This verse emphasizes Christ's unparalleled authority, supreme position, and divine rulership. The crown in the stained glass window serves as a powerful visual representation of His majestic reign, reminding us of His eternal kingship and sovereign rule.

7 Faceted Clear Glass Rounds

The inclusion of seven faceted clear glass rounds represents the number of perfection or completion. It harkens back to the creation account in Genesis, where God rested on the seventh day, signifying the completion of His work. This motif emphasizes the divine perfection found in God's plans and purposes.

Red Circles

Within the window, red circles serve as a powerful symbol of the blood shed by Jesus Christ for our salvation. The crimson hue represents His sacrificial love, covering and perfecting us. As Hebrews 9:22 proclaims, "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." This verse emphasizes the essentiality of Christ's blood in the forgiveness of our sins. The red circles in the stained glass window stand as a poignant reminder of His sacrificial love, offering redemption and cleansing to all who put their faith in Him.

Green Leaves

Interwoven with the design, green leaves signify growth, peace, and renewal. Just as plants grow and flourish under nurturing care, our spirits thrive and find peace in the presence of God. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." This verse beautifully illustrates the transformative power of God in our lives. The green leaves in the stained glass window serve as a vivid reminder of our renewal in Christ, where we leave behind our old selves and embrace a new life in Christ Jesus.

Dove

The presence of a dove in the stained glass window represents the Holy Spirit. As Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove (Matthew 3:16). This significant event marked the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry and symbolized the empowering work of the Spirit. The dove serves as a powerful symbol of peace, purity, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Just as the dove brought a message of hope and renewal to Noah after the flood, the presence of the Holy Spirit brings comfort, guidance, and transformation to believers. The dove in the stained glass window serves as a beautiful reminder of the Spirit's work in our lives, nurturing our faith, and bringing us closer to God.

Inner Red Circle and Wooden Cross

At the heart of the stained glass window, an inner red circle encompasses a wooden cross, representing Jesus Christ's supreme sacrifice for humanity. The deep red hue symbolizes His shed blood for our salvation. The cross stands as the centerpiece of the Christian faith, signifying the pivotal moment when Jesus redeemed us from sin through His willing sacrifice.

Jesus' death and resurrection are central to the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Paul affirms that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. The cross embodies God's incomparable love and grace, revealed through Jesus' sacrificial death and victorious resurrection.

Through His death, Jesus bore our sins, providing reconciliation between humanity and God. The cross represents forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. By conquering death, Jesus secured victory over sin and offers new life to all who believe in Him.

The Inner Red Circle surrounding the wooden cross is a powerful reminder that salvation and eternal life are found in Jesus' death and resurrection. It prompts reflection on the immeasurable love, grace, and mercy demonstrated at the cross, granting us forgiveness, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal fellowship with God.

Creation and Installation

In 1995, Willow had the opportunity to commission a remarkable stained glass window. The project initially faced concerns regarding potential obstruction of a tree behind it. To address this, transparent glass was chosen, allowing light to permeate through the artwork. Thus began the visionary journey of artist Kathryn Kueh, tasked with creating a design that would symbolize the church's unwavering faith.

Navigating uncharted territory, Kathryn Kueh delved into crafting the initial design draft. Pastor Dan Shurr played a pivotal role, providing valuable input that refined the concept. With the design finalized, the meticulous construction of the stained glass window commenced. Measuring an impressive 8 feet in diameter, the window was meticulously divided into four quadrants. Each piece of glass was intricately hand-cut and assembled, bringing Kathryn's vision to life.

Throughout the construction process, Kathryn received indispensable assistance from skilled craftsperson Faye Mathie. Faye's expertise and unwavering support proved instrumental in successfully realizing the stained glass window. The ample space provided by Faye's home became the ideal workshop for meticulously laying out the glass pieces.

By December 1995, just in time for the Christmas season, the stained glass window was completed. However, the narrative did not conclude with its creation. The installation of the window held profound significance. Braving heights with unwavering faith and youthful strength, Stuart Mathie and Cecil Cockram, gallantly ascended ladders to carry and install each quadrant. Prayers reverberated throughout the process, underscoring the reverence and importance bestowed upon the installation of this work of art.

Today, this magnificent stained glass window stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication, harmonious collaboration, and profound faith of all involved. Its completion and installation remain cherished milestones in the annals of Willow’s history, offering a profound visual representation of the congregation's beliefs and serving as an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.

Conclusion

The custom-made circular stained glass window at Willow stands as a testament to faith, artistry, and devotion to God. Each carefully crafted element weaves together a tapestry of symbolism, inviting worshippers to reflect upon the profound truths of Scripture. As future generations gaze upon this radiant masterpiece, may it continue to inspire spiritual reflection, foster peace, and serve as a timeless reminder of God's eternal love and grace.