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
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
Every bird that upwards swings Bears the Cross upon its wings. - Marcus Valerius Martial
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
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21 comments:
Thanks for sharing your new post. Very nice. I share the images with my daughter and read your prayer to her. She really enjoyed your blog too. She's 6 yrs. old and teaching about God and Jesus to her.
I had written something on those verses in Rev under an article called The Middle Heaven
Hope it blesses you.
Sidharth
TWJ Ministries
Thank you for your visit to my blog. Enemy of the Republic is an awesome friend to have.
I really like the top scripture. It says a lot.
I have one at my site, it's near the bottom. "Store thy treasures in heave, where neither moths nor rust corrupt."
I use it even in writing everyday--just tell a story in prose or poetry, and move on to the next. Let God sort them out.
And it works for me!
Take care and see you again soon.
Beautifully written Lance. You are truly gifted.
Wow. I have to think on this. Eagles are also important in Greek mythology; Zeus sent on to the Trojans to warn Hector of arrogance. He did not heed it, but his troops did and became afraid. Hector later realized his error and atoned for it.
When I think of birds, I think often of St. Francis--he loved animals.In a way, birds are another form of parables: they are the metaphor for what our human minds cannot process immediately, and they can tell us of God in ways we are able to understand.
Thanks for stopping by my post, Lance. I think you have a wonderful post. We are one in our love for the Lord. I will be back to read your previous posts. Wonderful photography too. :)
Interesting that Blogger is showing 'Birds' as being posted in July, rather than December. I wonder why.
May your observance of the Advent of Christ be filled with joy, awe, and wonder.
Blessings in Christ,
Karl
Fascinating Lance, and that photo is stunning.
Well written; and the picture is breathtaking.
Lance, I have read a few of your posts, and could find nothing I disagreed with, so I have added you to my blog roll. You may feel free to add me to yours if you wish. Blessings to you, brother.
That's beautiful Lance!
It's been quite some time since I have been by, forgive me.
I have been hung-up on Mychurch. If you have not visited MyChurch I would highly recommend it. I think you would get a lot of feedback from all the great work that you do.
Thanks for your comments on my site as well. They mean a lot to me.
Be blessed my brother!
Hello - thanks for visiting. the photo is stunning, and right now, I want to see the glorious light of God through the clouds. Blessings.
Hey Lance. You have a different take on the world of christian blogging and I like that! Really nice to read something different and thought provoking. I'll look forward to checking out your next post!
Rachel.
Bsolutely on the link exchange, Lance. I already put yours up, actually. I should have let you know.
Glad to have you drop by anytime.
Absolutely...
It's a little late...
Take care.
Thank you for linking to me.
Great blog as always. I enjoyed it.
Drop by my blog today and weigh in, I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic.
HAPPY FRIDAY!
KimPossible
Respectfully, the only birds with any Biblical precedent is the sparrow and dove. And the raven is not painted in a positive light. (Noah's ark story) The rest are steeped in mythology and folklore.
While this does make for good entertainment and might lift your spirits, please keep in mind that most of this has no Biblical precedent.
I'm not trying to be argumentative so please don't take it this way. I'm just pointing out that this is not entirely truthful or Biblical.
Blessings
The birds are the animals that appear to be closer to God, because as the Angels they can fly and seems that during his flight they can touch the sky.
they are lovely and their singing fills our soul.
Nice post Lance!
hi! so beautiful post and wonderful sky! im out of the city working these days and one of my passtime is take pics..well..just when i am free.. and i use to take pics from the sky of every place i go. clouds are different depending on the place.
i was noticing that our bday is at the same day! cool! :)
ty for all your prayers to all of us .. is always great to know that somewhere someone is crossing fingers for us :)
Marry X-mas for you and your family distant bro! :)
Taz
Great post! I've always loved to watch birds - God has such a rich imagination to have made all the different creatures - oh what heaven will be like!
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