WHY WINDOWS?

It is easy to take windows for granted, as we casually experience them everyday, seeing them, and seeing through them, often showing us a bit of how the day would be, permitting sights and sounds. Homes were our shelter from the elements, and our enemies, with or without windows. Earliest windows were basically a deliberate defect in a barrier either as wall or roof. They were small openings for light, and ventilation, and sometimes for defense, to appreciate a threat coming without being too exposed. [The Flintstones taught us that if a window is too big, a pleasant saber-toothed tiger can enter the home... nothing like hard data].

In prehistoric communities the open hole would later become modified with a canvass covering, or shutters. Glass came later through the influence of the Romans, especially in Britain. This would be selectively available around 100 AD. As glass handling became more sophisticated, having glass windows became a sign of wealth.

So, we come from the ‘eye-hole' or the 'eye-door' as originally named, to the glass-window, to herald an era of architectural innovation and even societal transformation giving us eyeglasses, microscopes, and other optical technologies, all evolving from how we managed the window. Some of my favorite windows however are right in the sanctuary of Genesis, upon its inner southwest wall, stained artfully, and offering us across those eight sacred panes, illustrations and words for life:

• "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him."  Colossians 1:16
• "He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God."  Revelation 19:13
• "But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”  Revelation 5:5
• "And Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.'" John 6:35
• “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
• "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! '" John 1:29
• "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys." Song of Solomon 2:1
• “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”  Revelation 22:16

May our view be ever filled with Jesus Christ, Him risen. Open the eyes of our heart, Lord. Make wake our waiting hearts.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, lead our gaze with a readied eye-gate for Your Word, and the light it both gives and creates, that we might be light-bearers, discerning ourselves and our world, with a readiness to step right, day by day. May we bless You across these ordered steps, and show great love through growing trust in You. Have Your way, Lord. Amen. Jesus be praised.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington