Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26
Do you ne'er think what wondrous beings these? Do you ne'er think who made them, and who taught The dialect they speak, where melodies Alone are the interpreters of thought? Whose household words are songs in many keys, Sweeter than instrument of man e'er caught! - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Did you know that birds have long been used as symbols in Christianity? Not just doves either but other birds.
There is a story or more appropriately a legend of the robin. It tells how the robin received his red breast. Story goes that as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus as a child was resting on their flight to Egypt sparks of a fire flew toward Jesus. The robin caught the sparks of fire on his breast instead thus protecting Jesus. His reward was the beautiful red breast that robins are known for.
Another bird the peacock is a symbol for immortality because of a legend that its flesh does not decay.
The crane symbolizes good works, loyalty, order, vigilance because legend has it that cranes are appointed to watch over their king while he sleeps.
The eagle represents constancy, faith, and the resurrection because on an ancient belief that the eagle would renew its youth and plumage by flying near the sun and then plunging into water.
Next, the falcon is symbolic of conversion cause they can be tamed with their hunting instincts turned towards good.
The goldfinch represents the Passion of Jesus cause of its fondness to thorns and thistles.
The rooster is symbolic of the response to God's grace by the soul's awakening.
The goose is the symbol for vigilance and providence because of a legend that the Capitoline geese saved Rome from the Gallic invasion.
The lark as it flies so high and while singing only in flight toward heaven represents humility.
The owl represents Christ to some as a night owl looking into the darkness for sinners to save.
The partridge is for truth and the church.
The raven is a wonderful symbol for solitude.
The sparrow stands for the lowliest among people cause its the least among birds.
The swallow takes the symbol of The Incarnation because it hides itself in the mud during winter.
The stork a symbol of chastity, piety, vigilance, and prudence because it announces the coming of spring.
Also, the pelican represents the Redeemer and atonement because of a legend that it feeds its young with its own blood.
The mythical phoenix represented Christ with its rebirth from the ashes.
The turtledove symbolizes Christ's fidelity cause they take a mate for life.
Last but not least, the dove representing the Holy Spirit, peace, a harbinger of hope, and the release of the soul from the body in death.
by
Lance Gargus
at
www.lancessoulsearching.com
Every bird that upwards swings Bears the Cross upon its wings. - Marcus Valerius Martial
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