In the first panel, the burning bush at the bottom represents God’s presence; a bush that burns but is not consumed (cf. Exodus 3:1ff). The colorful band that emanates from it and swirls through many of the eastern windows represents God’s saving action down through the ages – from Old Testament times to New Testament times and even until today. Above you see Mary encounter the angel Gabriel who announces that she has found favor with God and shall conceive and bear the Son of the Most High (cf. Luke 1:26-38). The fleur-de-lis above angel Gabriel’s left shoulder is an ancient symbol for Mary.
The fountain in the center panel symbolizes the Lord, who is often depicted in the psalms as the fountain of living water. The rose in the middle of the fountain represents Mary, from whom the Lord shall spring. The halo above the infant Jesus in the manger contains a red cross – the cross of salvation and the purpose of the Incarnation. Above the virgin and the infant, Joseph carries a lantern, once again symbolizing his vigilance over Mary and Jesus. The Epiphany is recalled in the third panel with a long yellow road emanating from the star of Bethlehem and going down to the manger of the nativity. The cross behind the star as well as the five red drops to the left of the manger (symbolic of the five wounds of Jesus), foretell the crucifixion. The three crowns and the three men following the yellow road represent the three kings (cf. Matthew 2:1ff). The man with a crown on his head recalls the prophecy Psalm 72:10: “May the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute, the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.”