Narthex Symbols of First Lutheran Church

THE NARTHEX

This is the ecclesiastical name of the room from which we enter the nave for worship.  The name has been retained from ancient times although the use of the room has been widely changed.  It serves a purpose similar to that of a vestibule.  However, a vestibule is generally thought of as a comparatively smaller room which may be just inside the entrance to a secular building as well as a church.  We have vestibules just inside the entrances at the foot of the steps.  Our Narthex is screened by beautiful art glass windows taken from our former church building, and described below.

TWO INTERWOVEN TRIANGLES

In the window east of the Narthex entrance is the symbol formed by two interwoven triangles.  This symbol was also present in our former church building.  To the Christian, it is a symbol of the Blessed Trinity.  No one seems to be absolutely certain of its origin.  It is not mentioned in the Old Testament, yet it is seen on many Jewish Temples where it is known as the Shield of David, the Star of David, or Solomon's Seal.  Because of its historical usage, it could be looked upon as one of the figurative stepping stones from the old to the new dispensation.

MARTIN LUTHER COAT OF ARMS

The badge of a Lutheran.  This symbol, displayed in the window west of the Narthex entrance, shows the cross upon a heart with a Messianic Rose as a background, and surrounded by a circle.  The heart is a symbol of the Messianic promise, the cross the finished redemption, and the circle signifies eternal life.

This symbol reflects the peace of mind of the Christian as reposing upon a bed of roses beneath the protecting shadow of the cross.  This same symbol is carved in medallion form on the pew ends.

THE WORD AND THE SACRAMENTS

Between the north and central entrances to the Nave is a group of four windows with symbols representative of the Word and Sacraments. 

THE HOLY BIBLE

The first is the Holy Bible, the Word.  "All flesh is grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass.  The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the Word of the Lord abides forever."

THE CHALICE

The Chalice is the symbol of the Blood of Christ in the Eucharist.  "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

THE SHEAF

The Sheaf, in Old Testament worship, refers to the bounty of God and of the thanksgiving at the festival of the harvest.  To the Christian it is the symbol of the Body of Christ in the Holy Communion.  "Take and eat, this is my body."

THE FONT

The Font is the symbol of baptism.  The window containing this symbol is located to the north of the central portal because baptism is the first step toward entry into the Kingdom of Grace.  In view of this fact, many churches have the Font located just inside the entrance.  For many Lutheran churches, it is preferred to have the Sacraments more closely associated and therefore, the Font is placed near the Chancel.

ALTAR OF INCENSE

IN reality, this is not an altar because it has no reference to sacrifice.  It is referred to as the Golden Altar upon which incense was burned on special days of worship in the Tabernacle and Temple.  

Smoking incense has, from ancient times, been the symbol of prayer.  In Christian churches where it is still used, it is described as the symbol of the sweet odor of prayer ascending to heaven.  Lutherans use the word incense figuratively such as in the vesper versicle "Let my prayer be set before thee as incense."

ARK OF THE COVENANT

The Ark of the Covenant was used to store the Tablets of Stone that contained the Ten Commandments, written by God and given to Moses on the Mount.  The Ark of the Covenant is the symbol of strength and power, of God's presence and of His promise to the children of Israel.  In the Christian faith, it is also the promise fulfilled in the birth of Christ.

AGNUS DEI

Translated from Latin, Agnus Dei means "Lamb of God."  It is one of the best known symbols of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."  "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive the power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing" -- the seven gifts of the holy spirit.

The Lamb was often used as the innocent victim of Old Testament sacrifices, but Christ Himself became the innocent victim and sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.

This symbol, with the Book of Seven Seals, is shown in the center panel of the Reredos where it symbolizes the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Son.  In this Narthex window, it is shown with the  Banner of Victory which is self explanatory.

CROSS AND CROWN

The Cross and the Crown, when combined, form a symbol of Christ's triumph over sin and death.  The Cross denotes the completed redemption of mankind and the Crown symbolizes the risen and glorified Lord and the promise of eternal life.

ARK

This is the symbol of Noah and the Great Flood.  Since the advent of Christianity, it is used to symbolize the Church, Salvations, our Lord, and Holy Baptism, where our sins are washed away and we are born anew.

TABLETS OF STONE

This is the symbol of the Ten Commandments.  Only the numerals are shown.  The first three represent our duty to God, while the remaining seven represent our duties to our fellow man.

SEVEN BRANCHED CANDLESTICK

This style of candlestick is universally used in Old Testament or Jewish worship and is called the Menorah.  The six semi-circular arms represent the six days of creation while the center post is representative of the Sabbath Day.  Taken as a whole, it is the symbol of the Jewish Pentecost and of the presence of God.

In the Lutheran Church, a seven branched candlestick is typically of the elevating type, located in the sanctuary and elevating toward the altar or the altar cross.  It is used for ornamentation or illumination.  It may also be used on Festival and Saints' Days to make the service more impressive.

This type of candlestick embraces practically all the symbols coming under the number seven, the best known of which are the Seven Last Words of Christ and the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.  From this, you can see that the message conveyed by this symbol is influenced by the church day or season.

THE BEE HIVE

This is the symbol of industry and the Church at work.  It is also the traditional symbol of eloquence, and for this reason it is used as the emblem of St John Chrysostom of Antioch, who later became the Bishop of Constantinople.  He was known for his masterful oratory.  After his death, the word "Chrysostom" was added to his name as an honorary title meaning "Golden Mouthed."