I always saw cardinals when I was little because I grew up in Missouri. (I’m not referencing the football or baseball teams.) I didn’t know then that there was lore about these birds, but later, I found out that they could be messengers from heaven.

Hmm. I wasn’t sure about that but when we were at my niece’s home before her wedding this little nine-inch bird showed up on her patio.

Her fiancé’s son had passed away and she was certain that he had come to visit them before their nuptials. This was news to me about these birds being heavenly messengers, so I did a little research.

The Audubon Society gives us a few facts about this striking bird. The male generally comes in the red/scarlet color. The female isn’t so fashionable as her colors are usually dusty brown. However, the cardinal also appears in these colors: black, brown, gray, green, red, and tan. I had no idea!

The cardinal is found in the southeastern United States but as far north as southeastern Canada. It is also found in the desert southwest of the US.

When the female is nesting the male will bring food to her. How many times has a husband had to make a special run to the store for something his wife is craving while pregnant? There seems to be some similarity here.

When European settlers arrived in the colonies, they noted the bright red color of the birds reminded them of the vestments of the Roman Catholic Church’s cardinals and that the birds’ crests reminded them of the mitres the cardinals wore.

These cardinals carry deep spiritual significance across cultures and traditions. They’re often seen as messengers from heaven, bringing comfort during difficult times and symbolizing eternal bonds with loved ones who have gone before us.

The birds also carry deeper spiritual guidance as angelic messengers. Many believe these red visitors bring divine protection, acting as a special connection between heaven and earth.

Let’s not get carried away with too much folklore, but let’s recall Matthew 6:26 (NIV). Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Although legend can often bring us hope, let’s find our hope in God and His reminders of the beauty of nature He gifts us. From blue skies, bright sunshine, snow, trees, animals, flowers and rushing rivers let us enjoy His presence through his creation.

 May the beginning of this new year bring you many blessings as you enjoy God’s creation, including the birds of the air.