Arranged by
A great many tender thoughts cluster around the dove. It was a dove that the very poor were permitted to bring to the altar as an offering, as a substitute for a more costly animal. The appearance of the dove was one of the harbingers, or prophecies, of coming spring. The dove was always remembered by the Jews, in connection with the abatement of the waters of the deluge, when it returned to the ark bearing the olive leaf; and it, as well as the olive branch, has become among all Christian nations an emblem of peace. The dove was also referred to by Christ as a symbol of gentleness and harmlessness.
All these associations made the dove a most fitting emblematic form for the Holy Spirit to assume, when descending upon Christ. For Jesus came to be a sacrifice for all, even the poorest. He came as the spring comes, bringing life to a dead world. He came bringing a message of peace from heaven to every one who will open his heart to him. And he is like the dove in gentleness and harmlessness.
It is this same holy dove that must descend upon us, if the kingdom of heaven is truly to being in our hearts. Until the Holy Spirit has been given to us, and received by us, there is no life in our souls, and no power in us for work; but the divine anointing is promised to all who truly consecrate themselves to Christ, and believe on him. No vision of cloven heavens and descending dove appears to human eyes; but above every scene of holy devotement to Christ this blessed reality hangs.