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Worshiping God Through Art
The church windows of St. Paul were created by members of both St. Paul and Christ Lutheran. A previous pastor, Rev. John Ehlers, taught members how to make stained glass windows. The original art was done by Jolynn Pfeifer. The bulk of their creation was done by Randi Bates, who also adapted the Jolynn's artwork.
Long after these saints have passed on to their eternal reward, the members of St. Paul will enjoy these reminders of the focus of our worship.
SIDE WINDOWS
The windows that line the nave of the church depict the seasons of the Church Year. As Lutherans we are convinced that only the Gospel in Word and Sacrament create and sustain faith in the hearts of sinful mankind. To focus on the life of Jesus Christ and in an effort to touch on the whole counsel of God, the church follows a three year cycle of readings (a pericope) for its Sunday worship services. These windows are reminders that throughout the year our worship is focused on the life of Christ and his gifts to the Church.
Even the colors are symbolic. The color in each circle at the bottom of the windows represents the colors used during the Church Year.
ADVENT

Left Side Front
The readings for the four weeks before Christmas focus on preparation for the coming (Advent) of Christ. John the Baptist pointed to him as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." To prepare for Christ's first coming, John the Baptist preached repentance. Yet the Church Season of Advent is also a time of hope, because our Savior came as a Lamb, a sacrifice for the guilt of our sins.
During Advent we prepare for Christ to come:

1) As the lowly child of Bethlehem,
2) Into our hearts with his love and forgiveness,
3) And finally on the Last Day to take us home with him forever!

The traditional color of Advent is purple - color of repentance. Blue is also becoming popular, since it is the color of hope.

CHRISTMAS

Left Side Second Window
At the time of Christmas, the Church celebrates the wonder of the Incarnation (becoming flesh). We all approach the manger and wonder at the Son of God wrapped in human flesh! What a humble beginning for the great work of our Savior. Every time our members look at this window they are reminded that God Himself became one of us, to live under the Law, fulfilling every holy act, which God has expected of us. We are also reminded that the Son of God had to become mortal in order to die... die for all of humanity.
The white of Christmas does not symbolize the snow of winter, but rather the purity of our Savior and how his work as our Savior has made us 'white' as snow. (The circle surrounding the manger in the window is actually a creamy white, but the lighting did not bring that out.)
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