Photo – Peter Swanson

Presentation

1955 –Church of the Nativity and Holy Comforter, Baltimore, MD

This is one of four windows in the bell tower of the Church of the Nativity and Holy Comforter that depict events in the life of Christ.  All of the windows are the same size and have a similar character in their design. This one is unique in the use of the white opalescent glass in the figure of Simeon, which really makes him pop out from the rest of the window and draws the eye upward to the baby Jesus. This window, along with its neighbor, the Young Jesus In The Templewindow, have warmer reds and yellows as the dominant colors.

Iconography

The window is a depiction of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, as told in Saint Luke’s Gospel. Luke (2:22-35) tells us that Simeon, a righteous, devout man who was  “looking for the consolation of Israel” had been told by the Holy Ghost that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. When Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple for the ritual presentation, Simeon is there and recognizes this baby as the savior of Israel.  Holding high the baby Jesus, Simeon proclaims, “Lord, let now Thy servant depart in peace,” as Mary and Joseph look on in wonder. These words inscribed in the window are the first line of the canticle (song) known as the “Nunc Dimittis,” which has been used in evening services of worship since the fourth century, “

Year Completed

1955

Artists

Rowan LeCompte

Irene Matz LeCompte

Fabricator

Rowan LeCompte

Irene Matz LeCompte

Location In Building

Bell Tower West Wall