General Chat

Hello all

Thoughts and prayers for all who are caught up in the devastation caused by typhoon Hagibis in Japan and for all the services struggling to help those who are affected.

Good morning :-)

Thankful that the typhoon has now passed.....we pray for all those affected byt this dreadful weather.

Researching ancient Christian symbols of last week, I came across a selection of animals who represent various parts of our faith.

The Lion
Lions are mentioned many times throughout the bible in several different ways. They have always captivated the attention of the world, and often referred to as the “King of the Jungle.” Their powerful strength makes them a force to be reckoned with as they are bold, brave and fearless.

In Christian usage the lion can symbolize Jesus. This is due in part to the lion’s reputation as the ‘King’.

C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia is probably the most famous modern depiction of Jesus as a lion.

Lord, whatever it takes, help me to get rid of my fear of speaking about you. Increase my boldness to declare the gospel to everyone you put in my path. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Continuing looking at animals which are symbolic within the Christian faith.


Christian animal symbols

The Eagle
Most Anglican churches and cathedrals have one – a lectern (bookstand) shaped in the form of an eagle which holds the Holy Bible – sometimes, it is known as ‘the bird with the word’. There is a beautiful brass one in our church.

Because it soars upward, the eagle is a symbol of the resurrection or ascension of Christ. By extension, the eagle symbolizes baptized Christians, who have symbolically died and risen with Christ.

Another meaning of the eagle symbol, especially when it has a halo, is John the Evangelist, author of the fourth gospel. The eagle represents John because of his lofty and "soaring" gospel (it is much more theological in nature than the other three).

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not faint."


Cx :-)

Good morning to you all <3 The Catholic Church uses the crossed keys symbol
(one gold and one silver)
Many peoples use the Shamrock to denote The Trinity.

Hello all

David, I hope that Ellen is much better and you're both more relaxed than before.

An interesting post Cynthia, I have visited many churches where the Lectern was in the shape of an eagle and have been very impressed by these really old symbols.

I am liking the thought of being carried on eagle wings, but drawn so much more to
Isaiah 46: v 4........
"Even to your old age and your grey hair I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you".
That verse alone brings me great comfort.

Good morning :-)

Love that verse kandj <3

Crossed keys are symbolic of St. Peter, David - when Peter what given the keys to the Kingdom.

Christian animal Symbol: The Lamb

Over time, this animal has become the ultimate symbol of Christ. There are several stories in the Old Testament about sacrificial lambs – these stories were to prepare God’s people for the coming of Christ.

John the Baptist proclaims “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”.

Jesus fulfils this role when he is defenceless before the people and is lead away to be crucified. He is the Paschal Lamb who frees us from the bondage of slavery and death. Thus, an animal known for its weakness becomes a symbol of strength, conquering evil through the ultimate sacrifice of one’s life.

The lamb was also used as a symbol of the Christian people who are often referred to as sheep, under the guidance of the Good Shepherd – Jesus Christ. The lamb remains a powerful image that contradicts its weak nature.

Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us peace.


Cx :-)

Good morning <3 The capital I superimposed on the capital H is another.

The dove is another.

Good morning :-)

Do you mean the IHS David? That's for another day :-D

However, it's interesting that you mentioned a dove...….here's one I typed earlier!! .


A very familiar animal Christian symbol is the dove……

Even before the birth of Jesus, the dove was considered an animal with a strong symbolic value. For the Greeks it was a symbol of love and a messenger of the goddess Aphrodite. In Egypt, it was used as a shipping bird, to send messages. Among the Jews, it was a sacrificial offering for the poor, who could not afford more expensive sacrifices. The dove symbolised love, the yearning for God through purification and peace.

At the end of the Flood, a dove sent by Noah, is carrying an olive branch in its beak, giving new hope to decimated humanity. In this sense, the dove appears as a heavenly messenger. In the Bible, the dove is the most mentioned bird.

With the advent of Christianity, the dove became the symbol of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptised, in fact, it is said that a dove descended on his head. It is a new beginning for man, the renewal of the Covenant with God after the Flood, God’s Love that descends upon men by giving them a hope of salvation and eternity.

Cx :-)

Hello all

The dove is an age-old biblical symbol which I think most will be familiar with.

Today's posting reminds me of the words from the hymn On the Wings of a Dove which was a favourite with my parents I'd like to share this with all who look in today.

ON THE WINGS OF A DOVE

On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends His pure sweet love,
A sign from above, on the wings of a dove.

When troubles surround us
When evil comes
The body grows weak
The spirit grows numb.
When these things beset us
God doesn't forget us
He sends down His love
On the wings of a dove.

On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above, on the wings of a dove
A sign from above, on the wings of a dove.

I'm enjoying your threads Cynthia so interesting thank you x

kandj ...such a beautiful hymn, thanks for sharing x

That hymn is new to me Kandj. Thank you for posting it.

I think the I H are the first two Greek letters of Christ.

Good morning... :-)


David - IHS is a 'Christogram' symbolizing Jesus Christ . From Greek it is an abbreviation of the name IHS??S ( Jesus ).

Christian animal symbols....The pelican

Long before Jesus walked on the earth, the people of the Mediterranean had an incredible respect for the pelican. In fact, the pelican became a legendary figure. In times of famine, the pelican was known to tear at its own breast, draw blood, and feed its young in order that they may have life.

Naturally, when these people received news that God, in His great love, had come into the world in human form, shedding His own blood to wash, adopt, and redeem us (Holy Baptism), and to FEED US (The Lord’s Supper) so that we may have forgiveness and life, they made a direct connection with what they already had seen in the pelican.

The symbol of the pelican feeding its young with three drops of blood from its chest was used in numerous cathedrals through the end of the Middle Ages. In some, it was included as stained glass, in others the scene was etched into stone on the altar.

Thus, the pelican symbol in Christianity, also called pelican-in-her-piety, symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ on the cross (because he gave his blood for others) as well as the Eucharist (because it represents Christ's blood and provides spiritual nourishment).


Cx :-)

A prominent Christianity symbol is the Crucifix

Good morning :-)

It is indeed David.


A final look at animal Christian symbols..

Christian Butterfly symbolism has been talked about throughout the ages. The butterfly emerging from the chrysalis has traditionally been a symbolism of Christ rising from the tomb.

The stages of the butterfly - egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly are wonderful analogies to our life as Christians.

The miracle starts with an egg the size of the top of a straight pin....just as human life starts with a tiny fertilized egg. A few short days later a TINY caterpillar emerges through the shell of the egg.....a baby is born.

The caterpillar stage of eating, eating, eating is symbolic of life on earth.....preoccupied so often with the physical and material.

In the chrysalis stage it appears the caterpillar is lifeless inside the chrysalis.....symbolizing death and the darkness of the tomb, an inevitable reality. But, inside of the chrysalis a miracle is taking place.....The butterfly emerges..... symbolic of our souls rising from the grave and ascending into heaven and eternal life.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today:

Almighty and everlasting God,
increase in us your gift of faith that, forsaking what lies behind
and reaching out to that which is before,
we may run the way of your commandments and win the crown
of everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The gospel tells the story of the unjust judge and the persistent widow.

Cx :-)

I read (for what it's worth) that much of the OT was in parts of the
middle east speaking languages other than Hebrew and Aramaic.

Seems in the early days the had a form of numerology called Gematria
to turn language to numbers to translate to another language (?)

e.g. Aish HaTorah, http://www.aish.com/spirituality/prayer/Prayer_6_-_Hear_O_Israel_Part_1.asp, which says "It is part of a Kabbalistic tradition ... Gematria is a Kabbalistic way of showing how two ideas are related on a conceptual level; it is using numerology as a basis to confirm (not create) the connection."

Good morning :-)

Oh David, it's far too early in the morning for me to tackle numerology etc. Old Testament or otherwise!! :-D :-D

How about a week of poetry and inspiration?

This poem can apply to both men and women! :-D

The bible wore her imprint
Its cover soft from use
The pages rubbed and wrinkled
The binding coming loose

And even if this Christian
And her bible were apart
She still would have it with her
Hidden in her heart

Oh make me such a woman Lord
Who hungers to be fed
Who cherishes a line from you
More than her daily bread

And when my days are over
May this be my epitaph
“She longed to spend more time with Him
And now she’s doing that”.


Cx :-)

Beautiful Cynthia :-)

I love a bit of poetry x

Hello all

I agree you Emma. I like easy and simple, and today's poem is both.

Your link is much too deep for me David. Sorry.