Stained Glass

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you have from YHWH? And you are not your own, or you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify YHWH in your body.”

1 Corinthians 6:20

Recently, Hubby and I attended a spectacular 360-degree immersive artistic show, “Luminescence.”

It consisted of an hour’s worth of beautiful, ever changing color palates of the inside of a historical Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul.

There was also a steady display of shadow figures, walking along the interior of the cathedral, emphasizing self-reflection and awe of The Most High.

Breathtaking.

A lot of the light and color expression was fixed at the dome, necessitating that all attending crane their necks upward (there was a little stiff ache the next day).

The focal point largely hinged on the stained-glass windows, near that dome.

Since that evening, I have been giving much thought to stained glass.

I am notorious for spilling things: on my clothes (white attire, for extra fun), on light-colored carpets, and on expensive furniture.

I spill, therefore, I am?

Anyway, I have given more thought lately to glass.

Scripture has something to say ABOUT that glass.

A Glass Darkly…

“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

1 Corinthians 13:12

This is one of my favorite scriptures, because it spotlights how no one is getting The Most High 100% accurate.

We can dedicate our entire lives to studying and seeking, AND STILL, there is so much MORE TO HIM!!!!

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

1 Corinthians 13:9-10

Humbling.

It SHOULD be humbling, right?

Awe- inspiring?

Certainly, a little bit intimidating.

And glass, especially that of STAINED GLASS, harkens to that of both a cleansing and to blood.

How?

Well, concerning faith, there is such an emphasis on the need for cleansing of our sins.

“Cleanse my sin with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”
Isaiah 51:7

We cannot be “clean enough” in and of ourselves.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

“‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says Elohim. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.’”

Isaiah 1:18

We need Our Savior, Who paid the price FOR those sins.

“The next day John saw (Yahshua) Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of (YAH) God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”

John 1:29

“How much more will the Blood of (Yahshua Ha-Mashiach) Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to (YAH) God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living (YAH) God!”

Hebrews 9:14

So, what’s the connection between stained glass, Our need for cleansing, and Our Savior’s Bloodwork, doing the necessary cleansing of our sins?

Concerning “the glass darkly,” as we see it, there’s more going on than meets the eye.

Concerning our need for cleansing sin, I think that’s quite evident.

Practically speaking, we all come up short, right?

“For all have sinned, and all fall short of The Glory of The Most High.”

Romans 3:23

I’ve fallen QUITE short, indeed!

What about His Blood?

Well, how many stained-glass depictions heavily feature His red Blood in their panes? How much storytelling had been done, showing and telling of His Wounds, for our sake?

How much mention has been that OF His BLOOD-STAINED HANDS, FEET, SIDE, AND HEAD (from The Crown of Thorns that was so mockingly placed on His Head)?

“And He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes there is healing for us.”

Isaiah 53:5

All that Blood.

All that STAINING.

And that leads me TO the connection of Stained glass and His Stained Blood.

And how it be translated personally TO each one of us.

The stains can be the most beautiful thing TO the glass.

“Gather the fragments…”

“…‘Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.’”

John 6:12

When you and I look at any stained-glass window, we see how beautiful images are colored glass fragments, assembled in various images, right?

THAT can be symbolic and literal of how you and I are fragmented and still beautiful, as our stains, In The Holy Artisan’s Hands of Our Savior, can create a beautiful purposeful depiction of stained-to-cleansing.

Our fragments, like the Wounds of Our Savior, can tell the redemption story.

You and I are the most Luminescent Stained-Glass portrayal, when we imperfectly, and weakly, even, allow Him, to create Masterpieces of Light, color and hope!

“Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; Cleanse me, and I will be whiter than snow.”

Psalm 51:7

That’s you! That’s me!

And we shine, dazzle, and radiate!

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you have from YHWH? And you are not your own, or you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify YHWH in your body.”

1 Corinthians 6:20

Let’s pray.

Abba Father-

We come to You in The Name of Your Sinless Son, Yahshua.

You know how fragmented and colorless we feel.

You know how far we feel from “Luminescent.”

You fully know our current state, all our sins and failures.

You know how hopeless we look, feel, and appear to others, and to life’s measurements.

Forgive us.

Help us.

You know how to deal with our fragmented, our broken, and dull selves.

You know how to transform.

Thank You that You know how to beautify and redeem us.

We ask that You be about that work, even now.

Help us to radiate Your work in us.

Thank You for never giving up on us.

We receive in now, through Your Holy Name.

We receive it, in His Name, right now,

Amen.

Copyright © 2026 by Sheryle Cruse