The inverted star symbol has a long history dating back to the early Christian church. It was used together with the cross in 312 A.D. as early Christians believed the inverted star was a symbol of Jesus Christ. Over the centuries it has graced many buildings, windows, and even national flags. There are many ancient cathedrals and churches with the inverted stained glass star across Europe and North America. Famous shrines, such as Amiens Cathedral in France (built 1230 A.D.) or the Marktkirche church in Germany (built 1350 A.D.), have massive stained glass inverted stars.
The inverted star was used on various versions of the United States Flag until 1876 and is still used today on the Medal of Honor of the Navy, Army, and Air Force. It adorns many early American buildings and churches, and is found on barns, homes, and gates of early colonial families.
In what was quite humble compared to the large stained glass cathedral inverted stars, the Latter-day Saints sacrificed to gather enough materials for three colors of glass: red, white, and blue. Fashioned with lead and placed in the upper round windows of the early Nauvoo Temple, the "Morning Star" windows were a delight to those who saw them back lit each night.
When the Nauvoo Temple was rebuilt and dedicated in 2002, President Gordon B. Hinckley determined that the original design would remain, and the three-color stained glass windows would once again adorn the Temple. The beautiful inverted stars again glow at night as they once did.
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(Zion's Mercantile at the Riverwoods in Orem is where I purchased this item. If I remember correctly it was under $20 if you are interested in purchasing one too.)
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