The Descending Dove

The top of our seal is a descending dove, a symbol of the presence of God as the Holy Spirit and peace, new life and purity. The use of the dove as a symbol of peace and new life comes from the story of Noah and the flood, where Noah sent a dove forth to find out if the waters had subsided. The use of the dove as a symbol for the Holy Spirit comes from the story of Jesus' baptism, where a dove descended, and a voice was heard from the heaven, saying, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17).

 

 


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Unless otherwise stated, all material contained in this web site is Copyright © 1999-2005 First Presbyterian Church of Waco, Texas. Right is hereby granted for any congregation or governing body of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to copy and use this material only as long as proper credit is given as to its source. The scripture quotations contained within are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America, and are used by permission. All quotations from the Book of Confessions are reprinted by permission and are Copyright ©1996 by the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA).