Notes from Yukiko’s Desk

Last Friday I visited St. Michael’s in Greenhithe to discuss several things with Bruce and Mike, a pastor in Shore Grace Church who is also worshipping there. We had a good catch up and prayed for each other and community in Greenhithe.  When I was about to leave, we saw two white doves sitting together calmly on the balcony (see the photo in the cover of this newsletter). We watched them for a while. They didn’t fly away. I could not stop wondering if they were God’s messengers.

We all know dove’s gentle loving nature. In Christianity, it is a symbol with many meanings. Doves, usually white in colour, used in scriptures figuratively of loveliness (Songs of Solomon 2:14), desperate mourning (Isaiah 38:14), Israel’s restoration (Hosea 11:11). They are the only birds suitable for sacrifice in the Old Testament (Leviticus 1:14). Thus, the dove appears as a symbol of purity and innocence. In the story of Noah’s Ark, a dove returns with an olive branch — signalling the end of the great flood and new life on earth (Genesis 8:11)- represents hope, new beginning, and possibilities. Doves also serve as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (peace). When Jesus was baptized, the Gospel describes the Holy Spirit descending like a dove (Matthew 3:16-17).

After seeing the doves on that day, I felt so peaceful, hopeful, and thankful. It also happened to be All Saint’s Day, so it may represent the peace of the departed soul. Whatever it is, I strongly sensed that God was speaking to me through them.

Doves travel together in pairs after mating for life.  Seeing a pair signifies these positive meanings being multiplied. God is a God of peace, love, hope, and new beginning.

Peace in Christ