The Last Judgment Window of Chartres Cathedral

This is the rose window on the west facade. It symbolizes the completion of the cosmos as seen in the person of Christ. There are three concentric rings of circles on the window, each with twelve circles in it. Remember the symbolism of the number 3, and also of the number 12. Here, the number 12 signifies the union of heaven and earth through the person of Christ, and also of the Old Testament (12 tribes of Israel) with the New Testament (12 Apostles). Christ, who sprang from Jesse's line (old Testament and Jewish law), brings with him a new covenant (12 apostles). Here, the Old and New Testaments are harmonized, and heaven (three rings) is harmonized with earth (symbolized by the twelve circles in each ring) through Christ's redemption of mankind.

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