The Nativity Window
“And they came with haste, and they found Joseph and Mary and the Babe.” (Luke 2:16)
The symbol at the top is the five-pointed star, symbolic of the Epiphany, the time the Christ Child was shown to the Wise Men – the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. Epiphany is thought of in some churches as the missionary season, and this five-pointed star actually is a symbol of Epiphany, not Christmas, as many people think. It is sometimes called the Star of Bethlehem or the star of Jacob when used with the scenes of the Nativity. The star suggests the figure of a man (head, two arms and two legs) who is both “true God and true man in one person.”
Other stars used in iconography are the four-pointed star which is interpreted as forming a cross; a six-pointed star (often found in Jewish temples and known as the Star of David because David’s shield was believed to have been shaped like this star). Christians believe that the six-pointed star is a symbol for God because each point represents his nature, power, wisdom, majesty, love, mercy and justice. The seven-pointed star and the nine-pointed star refer to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The seven-pointed star represents the good gifts the Holy Spirit brings us — power riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing. The eight-pointed star symbolizes regeneration. The number eight is traditionally associated with the idea of regeneration or baptism.
There is also a twelve-pointed star, symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel or the 12 apostles and also stands for the closeness of God with man. It also signifies divine guidance, as in the journey of the Magi.
The bottom symbol is the Crown -- symbol of sovereignty, representing Christ as Lord and King, King of Kings, Crown of Life.
Grapes and vine represent Christ as the “true vine” of which his followers are the branches.
Given in memory of Rev. and Mrs. S.N. Watson by Mr. and Mrs. T. Max Watson
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