Stained Glass
John Lucas Lyrics
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Bracing for the stones
Borders of steel
All hiding that we're just flesh and bones
Teach me forgiveness, mercy
Mercy for my own skin
That I may see you in the distance
Oh refugee, enter in
Holds the face of God
Oh I hold the face of God
Oh I hold the face of God
We're all stained glass windows
Bracing for the stones
Borders of steel
All hiding that we're just flesh and bones
Teach me forgiveness, mercy
Mercy for my own skin
That I may see you in the distance
Oh refugee, enter in
For every brother, every stranger
Holds the face of God
We all hold the face of God
We all hold the face of God
Let the light come in
Let the light come in
The lyrics to John Lucas's song "Stained Glass" speak to the universal experience of being human, and the ways in which we try to protect ourselves from pain and judgment. The metaphor of stained glass windows bracing for stones is used to convey a sense of vulnerability and fragility, while the borders of steel represent the emotional armor we build up to avoid being hurt. Despite our attempts to hide our true selves, the lyrics suggest that we are all made of flesh and bones, and that we crave acceptance and understanding from others.
The song's chorus - "Teach me forgiveness, mercy / Mercy for my own skin / That I may see you in the distance / Oh refugee, enter in / For every brother, every stranger / Holds the face of God" - embodies a call for empathy and compassion. Lucas is asking for the ability to forgive himself for his own mistakes, so that he can extend that same forgiveness to others. He recognizes that every person, whether they are a friend or a stranger, is deserving of love and acceptance, and that we all hold a piece of the divine within us.
Line by Line Meaning
We're all stained glass windows
Like stained glass windows, we all have unique qualities that make us who we are.
Bracing for the stones
Despite our unique qualities, we all face criticism and negativity from others.
Borders of steel
We put up barriers to protect ourselves from the stones, but these barriers can also hide our vulnerabilities and humanity.
All hiding that we're just flesh and bones
These barriers can make us forget that we are all fragile and mortal human beings.
Teach me forgiveness, mercy
The artist asks to learn forgiveness and mercy for themselves and others.
Mercy for my own skin
The singer wants to show mercy to themselves and not be too hard on their own mistakes and imperfections.
That I may see you in the distance
By learning forgiveness and mercy, the singer hopes to be able to see others more clearly and compassionately from afar.
Oh refugee, enter in
The artist specifically addresses refugees and asks them to come closer into their community, perhaps recognizing their own struggles and vulnerabilities.
For every brother, every stranger
The artist speaks to the common humanity that connects all people, whether they are family or strangers.
Holds the face of God
Everyone has inherent worth and dignity, as if they were a manifestation of God in human form.
Oh I hold the face of God
The singer recognizes their own worth and value, just like everybody else.
Let the light come in
The song ends with an invitation to let down one's barriers and allow light and truth into one's life, regardless of the challenges and struggles faced.
Writer(s): John Lucas Kovasckitz
Contributed by Alaina C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@hughrechner1679
Hi John, I'm a band teacher at a Christian School and for whatever reason they let me put together a worship class here with instruments and singers. I did this song years ago because I love it so much, but it's been a while since one of my teams did it. I just listened to it today, and it STILL knocks me right through Heaven's doors. Thank you so much! I love this song!!
@musicmeetsheaven
Soo anointed. love it
@oliviaellett995
you are truly blessed with an incredible gift. this may be the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. you convey your message flawlessly using powerful imagery, lyrics with layers of depth, and with vocals that memorize your listeners. I am so grateful my beaten rugged frame can hold the face of God, what an honor. Continue blessing your listeners with your music!
@rivkaesther2442
I just discovered your music videos today. What a blessing of Light!
@I-Am-Fine----Thanks
I listen to this song every day during my private prayer time.
@2edged955
This song has pierced through my heart...thank you Jonn Lucas for softening my heart...to make me want to be more like my Saviour and LORD. Blessings
@robinleslie8066
Something about your words they're always peotic and deep.. bless u bro love and peace of Jesus
@kornelia1768
oh god, your art always makes me feel safe and nostalgic. you are making something beautiful, something that feels like home. i love all your songs so much. sending you so much love and blessings!
@STTimmann
I don't know if I'm still a christian. but this song makes me one. man, this song ist everything <3 !!!
@morganhutcheson7919
Believing in Jesus Christ-He saves you! It is by His grace, through faith that we are saved. If you’ve never put your faith in Him, repent and cry out to Him to be your Savior. In Jesus’ name. That makes you a Christian and follower of Christ. No one can come to the Father, except through Jesus. ❤ JESUS is everything.