One of the most articulate works of art that displays chapters four and five in the book of Revelation, contained within the traditional text of the Christian New Testament, can be found in the stained glass window in the Chapel of the Woodland Mausoleum located at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum.
“A Glimpse into the Throne Room” will be a theological discussion given by Joel L. Getts, Th.M, Ph.D. Joel states, “The book of Revelation discusses how we approach God’s Throne Room, how we can experience it spiritually, and also how we as mortals can somewhat appreciate the timelessness of God’s throne room.”
Joel said he discovered the stained glass window at Woodland when he was a teenager in the early 1970s. He said he didn’t understand what it was all about at that time but he said he was “awestruck by its size and display of color.”
Mr. Getts first wrote about the window in a theological writing format while he was in the seminary. He then re-discovered the window while ministering at a funeral in the Woodland Mausoleum Chapel sometime around 2003. Joel said he modified the text of his original writing, which was part of his master’s thesis, to create the published work which is now available. The window at the Woodland Mausoleum was his primary illustrative tool for the new book.
Joel stated that the Lamb and the four Living Creatures at the bottom of the window are his favorite illustrations. “I am still always amazed at the accurate inclusion of the detail from the passage of Revelation that the artist utilized whenever I see the window.” He also states that the most significant piece of the window lies in the Lamb which he says represents Jesus Christ in theological symbolism, “this is of primary significance to Christians of every denomination.”
Joel Getts is an author, educator and researcher. He has been involved in Christian ministry for most of his life. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Concordia College in Delaware, a Master’s Degree in Philosophy and Apologetics from Trinity Theological Seminary in Indiana and an additional Master’s Degree in Sacred Historical Theology from the Universal School of Theology in Illinois. His Ph. D. is in Biblical Studies from the St. Luke School of Biblical Studies in Georgia. Today, Joel is the Lead Pastor at Trinity Church in Miamisburg.
The event will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 9 to 11 AM at the Woodland Cemetery Mausoleum located at 118 Woodland Avenue in Dayton. A $5 donation is requested to attend the event. Refreshments will be served and Mr. Getts will have his book available for purchase before and after the program. To register for this event, please go to http://bit.ly/WoodlandStainedGlass.
