Craig Window

The upper section depicts the Angel of the Open Book (also called the Angel of Life) with a torch in one hand and the Book of Remembrance in the other. The “Open Book” is the Book of Life, also known as Book of Remembrance, that is mentioned in Revelation, the final book in the Bible.

The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the Book of Life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Revelation 3:5-6

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. ... And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books….. Anyone whose name was not found written in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire”

Revelation 20:11-15.

Those who have put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of their life and their Savior from sin and death will have their names written in the Book of Life. Inclusion means that when you die you will not perish, but will receive eternal life.

The first scripture quote describes people “dressed in white.” White garments are a scriptural symbolic way of designating a person who is washed clean in the blood of Jesus through faith, whose sins are forgiven and wiped clean by the death of Jesus on the cross.

The image of the “Angel of the Open Book” is paired with the “Good Shepherd” illustration on the first floor of the church. Jesus referred to himself as “the Gate, the Way, the Door, and the Good Shepherd.” Through belief in Jesus and living life as he did, by “following Jesus,” you can be certain that your name is written in the Heavenly Book of Life.

The lower section depicts the Savior as the Good Shepherd. He is holding a lamb in his arms as he advances along a mountain path.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures… He restores my soul… He leads me in paths of righteousness… I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23

Jesus compared himself to a shepherd, since shepherds were common and familiar in his community. He called his disciples and followers “sheep of his flock.” In this window the shepherd is holding a staff, which was used to rescue the sheep from danger and to fend off wolves. Jesus the Good Shepherd has the power to protect and encourage, to lead and direct. Those who are sheltered in His arms are safe from the wolves of life. Those sheep/individuals who have strayed away to the wild mountains and deep valleys will not perish. The Good Shepherd will search tirelessly until he finds his own and brings them home.

Jesus promised:

My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:27-28

It is the Good Shepherd who writes the names in the Book of Life which is depicted in the upper half of this window.

The Craig Window was a gift of Mrs. A.M. Davidson in memory of Neville B. Craig (1787-1863) and Jane Anne Fulton (1780-1852).

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