December 21, 2011
Symbol of Christmas:
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Dove
The dove has always been a symbol of peace and joy. We see it on greeting cards, and as little ornaments. But why peace or joy? I want to go to the scriptures for this one. There are two places in the scriptures that come to mind when I think of a dove. The first one is in Genesis 8 where Noah sends out a dove to see if the water from the flood had dried up. After being in the ark for so long, I imagine Noah was very joyful when the dove came back with an olive branch in her mouth. I'm sure his feelings of joy led to feelings of gratitude and peace as he realized that he could soon leave the ark.
The second place in the scriptures is in Matthew 3:16 (or in Mark, Luke or John) when Jesus is baptized. "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him." Many times the dove is used as a symbol for the Holy Ghost. I think this is perfect, because the Holy Ghost can bring feelings of peace and joy to us. One of the other names he goes by is the Comforter. When we are troubled or sad, we can feel the comforting influence of the Holy Ghost and have peace and joy. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost in my life. At this time of year, it seems fitting that we use a dove as a symbol of Christmas. We can find peace and joy in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help others to feel it too.
