Chrismon Number Two: The Dove

This is part three of a series.  Part two is here.
For a look at how we made the ornaments, click here.

Welcome Back!

Today, we added the second ornament to our Chrismon tree.  

Today's symbol is: 

The Dove

The dove is spoken of in Mark 1:10:

"Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open, and the Spirit descending on him like a dove."

The dove is an early Christian symbol.  It is spoken about many times in scripture, including in the story of Noah, who released a dove after the flood.  It is most commonly used as a symbol of the Holy Ghost, particularly in association with the stories of our Lord's baptism, and Pentecost.  Doves also have a long, ancient history of being associated with purity and peace.

Artwork: {{PD-1923}}-published before 1923 and therefore public domain in the US

In Christian antiquity, the dove was often used as a Eucharistic vessel, a container for holding the Blessed Sacrament, which was hung above the altar and used to carry the bread of communion to the sick.  There is some mention in early writings of Christians receiving the wine of communion from a dove shaped vessel in the catacombs. Additional pictures, and more information, about the early Christian use of doves as Eucharistic vessels are available here, here, and here.

The third ornament goes on the tree tomorrow!

Pax Christi,
~Michelle


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