‘Hope window’

2015

Design by Deb Lowe

610mm wide x 1220mm

Biblical reference.... "how will we liken the Kingdom of God?...it's like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth......puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow" Mark 4:30-32
The centrepiece of the design is the mustard seed as the ‘great tree’. The ‘birds of the air’ fly to it to find shade in the branches and shelter among the yellow mustard flowers. The birds include common British varieties such as robin, blackbird, sparrow, bullfinch, blue tit, thrush and wren.

At the root of the tree grow daisies, lily of the valley, clover and ivy. The daisy is traditionally used to symbolise the innocence of the Christ Child. Lily of the valley represents the Virgin Mary. The three leaved clover is used to depict the Holy Trinity and ivy, which is evergreen, symbolises faithfulness and eternal life.

Golden rays of light pour out from the tree. A dove symbolising the Holy Spirit, descends through the beams. A rainbow arches behind the tree, a symbol of hope, reconciliation and new beginnings. At the base of the window, echoing the curve of the rainbow, lies the inscription.

St Andrew’s Church, Radcliffe