Window 2 – The Abrahamic Blessing

WINDOW 2
The Abrahamic Blessing

Iconography: Text—Genesis 12:3. “By you shall all the families of the earth be blessed” written in Hebrew and in English. Genesis 18:23. “Will you indeed destroy the righteous with the wicked” portrays Abraham’s plea for the lives of those in Sodom and Gomorrah. The window portrays how God’s blessing is given to the world.

Artist’s Description: This window portrays the figure of Abraham growing out of the “tree of knowledge.” The ribbon he holds depicts the three religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. On the left side of Abraham is depicted Sarah, his wife. The blue circle with the Hebrew letter Yod is the symbol for God the Father in this and all the other windows. On the diagonal of the circle are the symbols of the attributes of God (Exodus 34). The Shofar, the lamb and the dagger symbolize the abolishing of human sacrifice. The cross, chalice and bread symbolize the sacrifice of Christ. The descending dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, part of the hidden symbolism of the Holy Trinity in this window. The burning cities of Sodom and Gomorrah depict the disobedience of God’s people and show his creation broken by sin. The scripture reference alludes to God’s forbearing and forgiving love.