Stained-glass

From at letter to  Lazarus Spengler in 1530

 "Grace and peace from the Lord. As you desire to know whether my painted seal, which you sent to me, has hit the mark, I shall answer most amiably and tell you my original thoughts and reason about why my seal is a symbol of my theology. The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. "For one who believes from the heart will be justified" (Romans 10:10). Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17) but by faith in the crucified. Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed. And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal. This is my compendium theologiae [summary of theology]. I have wanted to show it to you in good friendship, hoping for your appreciation. May Christ, our beloved Lord, be with your spirit until the life hereafter. Amen. "

-- Martin Luther 

From at letter to  8, 1530 letter to Lazarus Spengler La

The central theme of the window is based on the writings of Matthew (14:31), where, after the feeding of the Five Thousand, Christ sent the Disciples in the boat across the sea ahead of him while he went up to the mountain to pray.  As the boat was crossing, a great wind and wave buffeted the boat, and the disciples were having a difficult time.  It was at this point that Jesus was seen walking upon the sea towards them, and they were greatly alarmed.  On seeing Jesus, the Disciples cried out in fear, and Jesus said,"Take courage; it is I."

But Peter said, "Lord if it is thou, bid me come unto thee over the water."  As Peter got out of the boat, and began to walk toward Jesus he was afraid and began to sink.  Crying out, "Lord save me!"  And Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him, saying, "O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt!"

Thus, the central these of the story both tells a graphic story of an instance from the life of Christ, but more significantly relates to each of us as we are tossed on the stormy seas of life and its' every day adversities.  We cry out to Jesus in fear asking for His help, and he tells us in the same words - "O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt!"

The spiraling shares and tossing waves represent t6he throws of consternation we all experience in our lives, and the portrayal of Christ reaching out to help Peter, symbolizes how he also reaches out to give us his supporting hand.  Superimposed over Christ's head is the DOve representing the Holy Spirit, and the Triangle with the eye in the center, symbolizing the trinity, and God the Father.  Sweeping lines of color crisscross from side to side creating a mood of action and turmoil such as was present when this event took place.

The subjects portrayed along the side lancets of the window tell of the relationship Christ asked of us in our dealings with our fellow man.  Matthew 25:35-40.