Keighley, St Andrew's Shared Church

Title: 'The Light of the World'

Date: 2006

Design by: Roy W. Coomber

Size of each light: 450mm wide x 3050mm + tracery

Description: The window depicts the seven 'I am' statements of Jesus and the acts that show him as the devine Son of God sent from heaven are shown in the seven signs of Jesus; taken from the Gospel of John. 

The centrepiece is Holman Hunts oil painting 'I am the Light of the World' recreated in stained glass. The painting was inspired by a passage from Revelations; "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come to him..." The figure of Christ, brilliantly illuminated by the lantern he holds. The door on which he knocks is shut, neglected and overgrown with weeds. This is the artists vision of the human soul in darkness, closed off from the world of God. The moonlit sky behind shows the beginnings of a new dawn. The orchard around him and the apples at his feet, hint at fruitfulness in store for the soul should the door be opened. Jesus does not look towards the door he knocks at, but gazes out out of the painting and directly into the eyes of the viewer.

The left light - the healing of the blind man with the Pool of Siloam in the background. John 9:1-11. 

The right light "I am the Good Shepherd". John 10.11.

The sayings "I am the true Vine" and "I am the bread of Life" are represented by images of grapes and wheat. I am the Alpha and Omega is shown on the symbols flanking the dove of the Holy Spirit.