The early Church assigned allegorical symbols to each Evangelist.  These symbols (rather than portraits) are used in the windows to emphasize that God's ability to reveal himself through the Gospels, and their authority within the canon of Scripture, reach beyond the Evangelists' personal identities and circumstances, to every succeeding place and time.  The symbols themselves -- a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle correspond to the four faces on each of the four "living creatures" (or cherubim), which surround the throne of God."

Luke begins with the priest Zacharias entering the Temple to offer a sacrifice, so the ox (the quintessential sacrifice) is assigned to this Gospel.  Luke goes on to illustrate Jesus' role as both the mediating priest and the offering that was sacrificed for the redemption of humanity.

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which sall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:10-11

Like Stars Appearing:  The Story of the Stained Glass Windows of St. George's Episcopal Church, Dayton, Ohio
copyright 2004 by Anne E. Rowland.  All rights reserved.
Stained Glass Windows copyright 2000 by St. George's Episcopal Church, crafted by Willet Stained Glass.