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December 12

The heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him. — Matt 3:16

This was God’s answer to the consecration of the Messiah. A great many tender thoughts cluster around the dove. It was the dove that the very poor were allowed to bring to the altar as an offering, in place of a more costly sacrifice. The appearance of the dove was a harbinger of coming spring. It was always remembered, too, by the Jews in connection with the abatement of the deluge, when the dove returned to the ark bearing the olive leaf; and the dove has become among all nations an emblem of peace. The dove was referred to by Christ as a sign of gentleness and harmlessness in life.

All these associations made the dove a fitting emblematic form for the Holy Spirit to assume when descending upon Jesus. Jesus came to be a sacrifice for all, even the poorest. He came as the spring comes, bringing life to the dead world. He came bearing a message of peace to every one. And He is like the dove in gentleness and harmlessness.


Mornings With God - December 12

Public domain content taken from Morning Thoughts by J.R. Miller.


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