12 Days of Christmas

The 12 days of Christmas from Christmas Day (December 25) to Epiphany (January 6) were a time of rededication and renewal and traditionally a period when simple yet symbolic gifts of faith were given to children. They were an important facet of the holiday season.  The tradition has been lost for a couple reasons - Epiphany lost out to Christmas as a day of giving gifts and the Industrial Age with year-round work schedules made it impossible to devote a dozen days to prayer, reflection and attending church.

The English Christmas carol was published in 1780 without music as a chant or rhyme and later in 1909 Frederic Austin added a traditional folk melody to produce the familiar tune.  It may have been used at a time when codes were used to disguise Christian teachings, but nonetheless it can be a refreshing reminder of the essential elements of the Christian faith.

Let’s look at the gifts and remember that the “true love” represents God and the person receiving the gifts is anyone who has accepted Christ as Lord and Savior:

• A Partridge in a Pear Tree - Jesus, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on the first day of Christmas. Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge, the only bird that will die to protect its young

• Two Turtledoves - Old and New Testaments, the complete story of Judeo-Christian faith and God’s plan for the world

• Three French Hens - The faith, hope, and love of I Corinthians 13

• Four Calling Birds - Four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

• Five Gold Rings - The first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch which gives the history of man’s fall from grace

• Six Geese a-Laying - Each egg is a day in creation, a time when the world was formed by God

• Seven Swans a-Swimming - Spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion

• Eight Maids-a-Milking - The eight who were blessed to receive His word and accept his grace included the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake

• Nine Ladies Dancing - The fruit of the Spirit. The fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control

• Ten Lords a-leaping - The Ten Commandments

• Eleven Pipers Piping - The eleven faithful disciples who carried out the gospel message

• Twelve Drummers Drumming - The 12 points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed. “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day, he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.”

As we celebrate Christmas and approach a New Year, remember and reflect on these elements of faith each day!

                                                            Joyce