We did not feel all that thankful on the day we learned that our stained-glass window provider was pulling out of its agreement with us. Everything was ready to go for doing the glass for the 12 window panes surrounding our sanctuary. We were excited to get it done to the glory of God.

Instead, it was, literally, back to the drawing board. Our "setback," however, became a golden opportunity. We were put in contact with one of the best stained-glass artists in Western North Carolina. The windows, we decided, were perfect for honoring God with symbols of the truths we confess in the Apostles' Creed. Concept and artistry came together. Member gifts covered the cost. And, on June 28, 2009, just two years after the dedication of our sanctuary, the windows were in place.

The following Pentecost Season the pastors at Living Savior preached a series of sermons, one for each window's symbol, and the symbols remain a tribute in thanksgiving to the God of our salvation—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Gary Baumler is pastor at Living Savior, Asheville, North Carolina.

The windows of the Apostles' Creed

Window 1—God the Father

"I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth."
The mighty hand of God reaches down to us from heaven. The three-rayed nimbus (circle or halo) represents God as triune. The circle, without beginning or end, reminds us that he is eternal.

Windows 2-7—God the Son

"I believe in Jesus Christ..."
The letters "IHC" are the first three letters (iota, eta, sigma) in the Greek word Jesus. The eta contains a small cross, the symbol of Christ's love. Jesus came as promised by the prophet Malachi as "the sun of righteousness . . . with healing in its wings" (4:2). He is the Christ, the promised Messiah.

"...his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary . . ."
When Jesus began his ministry, John the Baptist introduced him as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The lamb as an emblem of Christ reminds us of the lambs used for sacrifice to God in the Old Testament. Here we have the triumphal lamb with waving banner. The cross on the banner signals the sacrifice he made for the world. Risen from death, the Lamb can rightly carry his victory banner.

"... suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried."