The Dove, symbol for the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the Bible, the dove is a messenger of peace, restoration, and safety.

The dove returns to Noah bringing an olive branch to show the flood had ended.

After Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan, the Holy Spirit descended onto Him like a dove.

Doves hide and nest in rocks and caves. We hear their moaning, sad, mournful calls. They are symbols of innocence and their attributes are described in Psalms 55, 68, 74.

Each of the nine times I’ve been blessed to spend time in Israel, I’ve been moved by the ever-present background cooing of doves—so much so that on my first lengthy trip in 1984 after quality time spent near the Garden Tomb, this poem spilled from my heart.

Jerusalem’s Dove

Temple grounds, David’s tower, the Western Wall,

Ancient scenes where people flock once in a lifetime,

Yet the dominant sound of the landscape is Jerusalem’s mourning doves,

Pearl-gray, gently cooing, with full-throated cries communing,

Interceding, like the God who gave ALL to bring peace,

And His Son, dove-natured, brooding, crying for peace in this city,

“Coo-roo, coo-roo,” still echoing, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem,

How often would I have gathered thee together

As a hen doth gather her brood . . . and ye would not,”

Then gave His life in sacrifice until every price was paid.

Our Father still sends doves as constant reminders,

Softly cooing from hidden corners, leafy gardens, distant rooftops,

Early or late, from darkness to dawn, so any traveler’s lasting impression

Is not the city, not the grandeur, not the history nor political contention,

But the harmless, helpless doves broodingly calling,

Echoing God’s voice heard from His Son’s breast,

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, loveless city, hear My cries,

Yield to greatness, yield to gentleness,

Open your lives to be My home,

Bend your heads to give Me place to rest Mine,

Let hearts melt and tears wash down hardened cheeks

Until entrance is made and all men become free!

Then the pearl-gray doves gently folds wings around their nests,

Lifts love-filled eyes,

And mourning cries

Become songs of joyful praise! – Delores Topliff

He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed!

Have a most blessed and meaningful Easter!