DOVE The dove is traditionally seen as a sign of peace, especially when carrying an olive branch (another sign of peace, according to the Ancient Greeks) (source). In the Bible, we read about the dove that returned to Noah with an olive branch in its mouth — a sign that the storm had ended and the floodwaters were receding. In the New Testament, a dove descended on Jesus at his baptism: "When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.” - Matthew 3:16 WATER Water is a symbol of baptism and new life (being born of the Spirit). It represents cleansing and healing. It also reminds us of the story of Jesus and the Woman at the Well, when Jesus offered her "living water." BUTTERFLY Butterflies are a symbol of new life. They begin as caterpillars, make a cocoon for themselves, and through a process of metamorphosis, emerge as butterflies. As such, they are symbols of transformation through faith. CROSS The cross is a universal symbol for the Christian faith and a reminder of Jesus' death (and resurrection). There are several types of crosses that have been used throughout history and that appear in our churches today. Here are a few different ones:
TRIQUETRA The triquetra represents the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is used to form the Carolingian Cross pictured above and is a form of Celtic knotwork (source). It is sometimes shown with an interlocking circle, as well, as shown below.
FLAME The flame is often representative of the Holy Spirit, based on the Pentecost story in Acts 2: "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” - Acts 2:1-4 Another connection: John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, described sensing God’s presence in Aldersgate in 1738 and feeling his heart “strangely warmed.” (source) BREAD & CUP The loaf and cup represent the Last Supper and Jesus breaking bread and serving his disciples. These are symbols we use during Holy Week (Maundy Thursday) and when we receive communion. The loaf of bread represents Jesus’ body, broken for us, and the cup represents his blood, shed for us. The loaf also reminds us of the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fishes and the words he spoke to his disciples in Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” CROWN The crown reminds us that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). The crown may also represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore on the cross and the crown of glory given to him in heaven. SHEPHERD'S CROOK David described God as his shepherd in Psalm 23, and in the New Testament, Jesus described himself as the Good Shepherd, watching over his flock. The shepherd’s crook is a reminder of how God cares for us, goes with us wherever we go, seeks us out when lost, and protects us.
CIRCLE The circle has no beginning and no end. Thus, it symbolizes a few different things in the Christian faith: love that knows no end; a commitment or promise, as symbolized by wedding rings; and eternal life. The circle can also be seen as a halo. PEACOCK The peacock was believed by the Ancient Greeks to not decompose after death, making it a symbol of eternal life. It is often pictured in scenes with the Tree of Life. SOURCE:https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ashleydanyew.com/posts/signs-symbols-of-the-church-and-what-they-mean%3fformat=amp
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