In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth..."  So begins our Story -- the Biblical Story of God's initiative in the world.  In it we find the foundation of the Judeo-Christian worldview, and by it we come to understand our own relationship with God more clearly. 

The book of Genesis opens with a sweeping account of the creation of the universe.  From it we learn that God is the Creator of all that exists, that his word brings order from chaos, that he as endowed the universe with a beautiful pattern of harmony and wisdom, and that humanity is the crown of creation.  god is the transcendent, sovereign ruler of creation, and has a special interest in us.  The focus then becomes much more personal, teaching us about who we are as men and women, through our relationship to God and the rest of the created order.  But evil enters the picture and leads to the fall -- the destruction of our intimacy with God.  The man and woman tried to hide, but God sought them out and began the work of restoring the lost relationship with humanity.  The story of that renewal carries us through the rest of Scripture. 

In the New Testament, the Gospel of John uses the same creation imagery to introduce Jesus as the eternally existing Word of God, born into the world to begin the new creation:  "In the beginning was the Word..."  Later we are promised the completion of this new creation in a new heaven and a new earth.  Under the rule of Christ all will be made right, the dwelling place of God will once more be with us, and creation with be complete.

The swirling clouds, winds and earth of the Creation  window bring to mind the words of Genesis, when all was called into being by the voice of God.  The small red burst represents the Big Bang, emphasizing that religion and science need not conflict.  This first window begins our story with the stars sent forth by God.  The last window, For All the Saints, brings the Story to completion with the same imagery.  All begins and ends with God.

Like Stars Appearing:  The Story of the Stained Glass Windows of St. George's Episcopal Church, Dayton, Ohio
copyright 2004 by Anne E. Rowland.  All rights reserved.
Stained Glass Windows copyright 2000 by St. George's Episcopal Church, crafted by Willet Stained Glass.