General Chat

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

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

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

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

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.

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 :-)

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

The dove is another.

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 :-)

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 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.

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 :-)

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 :-)

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 :-)


David, as it says in the write up.....;the monogram looks to have been formed with the English alphabets X and P. In fact, it is the Greek alphabet ‘chi’ that resembles X and ‘rho’ that looks like P.' - nothing to do with a sword or Peter.

You must have seen what the Alpha and Omega symbols look like over the years....
a capital A and a sign which looks rather like a horseshoe standing up? Google it - you will recognise it I am sure. This is one of the drawbacks of this site - you can only post pictures in your avatar. I would love to be able to add pictures when doing these posts. :-)

It's a special day for our young folk at church.....this morning is the annual Boys' Brigade enrolment service and then, this afternoon, 31 youngsters from our school are being confirmed.

The Collect (special prayer) for today:
Eternal God, you crown the year with your goodness
and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season:
grant that we may use them to your glory,
for the relief of those in need and for your own well-being;
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 reading is from John and tells of Jesus being the True Vine.

Cx :-)

The Chi-Rho symbol is a diagonal cross with a vertical P. Is that for Peter, Petros
or a sword ?

Another interesting week Cynthia, some of the symbols
I knew and some I didn't.

My prayers and thoughts today are for a friend
whose son is ill in hospital.x

Hello and good morning :-D <3

The alpha and the omega is depicted by the Chi Rho symbol I believe.

Good morning :-)



Our final look at ancient Christ symbols..

The Alpha and Omega

In the book of Revelation, Jesus says of himself, “I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the last one. Putting the two together, they represent the eternity of Christ as the Son of God.

Lord, we thank you that you are always there for us - whatever our lives may bring. We pray that we may be faithful to you. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Sylvia - an excellent description! :-D

Vera - I love words and searching and exploring. I hate cooking and look at a chicken breast in horror, wondering what on earth I am going to do with it today! :-D :-D

David - hope all goes well with your wife's eyesight - cataracts are so common these days.

Ancient Christian symbols - Chi Rho

Chi Rho Symbol is an ancient Christian symbol, a ‘Christogram’ that is made by overlaying the initial two letters (in capital) of the Greek word ‘Christos’ meaning ‘Christ’. Pronounced as ‘KEE-roe’, the monogram looks to have been formed with the English alphabets X and P. In fact, it is the Greek alphabet ‘chi’ that resembles X and ‘rho’ that looks like P.

The Chi Rho symbol represents both Christ and Christianity and exists today in several variations. It is also behind the practice of abbreviating ‘Christ’ in Christmas to ‘X’.

Lord, we thank you for these ancient symbols which meant so much to your early followers. Help these symbols to be important to us as we tell others of your love. Amen.

Cx :-)

Cyn ...............

beautiful to look at, horrible to have to listen to!!

I have learnt something new this week. I knew about the fish and ship symbolism but not about the peacock. Thank you Cynthia. How do you manage to think up so many new themes for the thread?

David, I am sorry to hear that your wife has a cataract but don't let it worry you. Most people over a certain age have them and I am sure she will manage fine until the time comes to have it removed. Just as an afterthought, do you think that particular post would have been better as a new thread?

Special thoughts for everyone in need of a little extra support today.