Stained Glass – Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is fortunate to have many beautiful stained glass windows. Nineteen unique windows representing the Gospels and the Parables of Jesus Christ grace the sanctuary.
Although each window tells its own story, there are some unifying characteristics throughout. A crimson ribbon flows through each of the windows, representing the voice of Jesus as He is teaching. Also, since much of the Master’s teaching was done outdoors, underneath the blue sky and often beside the blue waters of the Sea of Galilee, the predominance of blue is evident.
Several of the parable windows display the star as a symbol. In one of them, five different forms of the star can be seen. The four-pointed star is a symbol of the cross. The large five-pointed star is symbolic of Epiphany. This star is also regarded as the nativity star and represents Jesus Christ. The six-pointed star is made up of two triangles, representing the Trinity, one super-imposed on the other. The six points refer to the attributes of God–power, wisdom, majesty, love, mercy and justice. Sometimes it is called the Star of Creation with the six points representing the six days of active creation. The seven-pointed star is known as the Mystic Star and is an emblem of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The eight-pointed star is called the Star of Baptism or the Star of Regeneration. The origin of the symbolic usage of the number eight for rebirth is lost in antiquity. It is supposed by some that it goes back to the story of the flood at which time eight souls were saved in Noah’s Ark. More info and pictures are here.
Sanctuary and Chapel – The buildings of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church are quite interesting. Many features in and on the buildings have symbolic meanings above and beyond their decorative functions.
Traditionally, a church is considered properly orientated only if the altar is at the east end of the building. The east, in church symbolism, represents the Sun of Righteousness who has now risen upon the world.
Even before entering Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the use of symbolic design is apparent. High above the building, with the tower as its pedestal, is the cross. It is outlined against the sky by day and shines with a soft white light at night. It sets the building apart as a sacred place. More info and pictures here.
Our Saviors Lutheran Church - Hibbing, MN 