About the Lighted Window
The subject matter of the window is based on the scripture:
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20
This stained glass window is located at the front of the sanctuary
of
the Church of the Lighted Window in La Canada, CA. It is undoubtedly
inspired by a famous painting entitled "The Light of the World" by
William
Holman Hunt that was painted in 1851-1853. One later version by the
artist
is located in St. Pauls's Cathedral in London. Hunt's painting has
inspired many other painters of religious art. Hunt's painting depicts
Christ wearing a crown of thorns and carrying
a lantern, while here Christ's head is uncovered and he carries a
staff.
In both versions, the door has no handle. When the painter John Millais
noticed this on first seeing Hunt's painting, Hunt replied "This door
is a picture of the human heart,
and the handle of the door is on the inside."