Featured Window

Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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MSGC : Collections : Window

Window

Building Name: St. John's Lutheran Church

Studio Name: Potter's Stained Glass Emporium

City: Dowagiac

Window Shape: 2 (rectangle)

Date of Window: 2006

Subject/Title of Window: Luther's Seal

Brief Description of Subject: Daniel in the Lion’s den
This was the fifth window that was constructed. This was the first time that the symbol beneath the window was not used. It was decided that the sandstone symbol for the Trinity which was below the window would be too complicated to duplicate in stained glass. So Luther’s seal was selected to replace it.

Luther’s seal has a cross on a red heart, signifying that we are saved through our Savior’s merits. The heart sits on a white rose, signifying the cleansing we received through Jesus’ blood. The white rose is in a field of blue, signifying heaven. It is surrounded by a gold circle, which symbolizes our eternal life.

The Bible story which was selected was Daniel in the lion’s den. Even through much adversity in this life, our loving Savior still protects us from all harm and danger. “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.” (Daniel 6:22)

The first, smaller symbol is the sun, because God’s mercies are new every day. “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are now every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) The eagle was chosen because we will soar on eagle’s wings through this life, but only with our Lord’s help. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

The small window below repeats the idea of Daniel in the lion’s den, with more lions.

Height: 70"

Width: 44"

Type of Glass and Technique: Opalescent Glass, Antique or Cathedral Glass, Lead Came, Copper Foil

The MSGC is a constantly evolving database. Not all the data that has been collected by volunteers has been sorted and entered. Not every building has been completely documented.

All images in the Index are either born-digital photographs of windows or buildings or are scans of slides, prints, or other published sources. These images have been provided by volunteers and the quality of the material varies widely.

If you have any questions, additions or corrections, or think you can provide better images and are willing to share them, please contact donald20@msu.edu