THE REREDOS AT FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
The reredos (pronounced rear-dos) is the beautiful three paneled background of the altar. In ancient times, especially in homes and tabernacles, some kind of flat surface was set up back of the altar to help direct the smoke to an opening in the roof. Since smoke has long been considered the symbol of prayer, the Lutheran may look upon the reredos as the symbol of prayer ascending to God.
Our reredos is adorned with several appropriate symbols. Reading from left to right, the three carvings in the upper part of the panels are symbols of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Those of the Father and Son have already been explained under the titles of “Manus Dei” and “Agnus Dei.”
The symbol of the Holy Spirit is seen in the third panel. It refers to the baptism of Jesus: “and the Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove.” The descending dove with the three-rayed nimbus is considered the only authentic symbol of the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. Its proper location is over the baptismal font, or in connection with symbols of the Father and Son as in our reredos.
The cross in the center panel is of true symbolic design. The lettering on the ends of the beams are as follows: IC at the top means “Jesus”. XC at the bottom means “Christ.” NI at the left and KA at the right form the Greek word NIKA which means “Victor.” Taken together, these monograms and the cross are interpreted as “Our Lord, the Conquerer”.
Near the top of the right and left wings of the reredos you see two shields upon which are carved the Greek letters Alpha on the left and Omega on the right. The symbolism of these letters has been explained previously, as they are also sculptured over the main entrance.
Also please observe the banding around the cross and adjacent panels on which are carved the Grape and Wheat, symbols of the Bread and Wine, or the Holy Communion. The Vine also refers to our Lord— "I am the vine, you are the branches.” These works of art add much to the devotional character and beauty of this sanctuary furnishing.
Our reredos was specially designed to reach up to the chancel window, which it seems to support, but does not completely encircle. This feature seems to suggest our effort to come into full knowledge of the truth.
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