“The Twelve Days of Christmas”

12-days

 

National Retail Federation is projecting that Americans will spend about $655.8 billion just on Christmas. American consumers plan to spend an average $935.58 during the holiday shopping season this year. Christmas has become commercialized, and it is no longer about celebrating the birth of Lord, Jesus Christ. But here is one song that can help us focus on Jesus as we rush from stores to stores, cleaning and decorating, cooking and baking, wrapping gifts, traveling and visiting families and friends.

Roman Catholics in England could not practice their faith openly, and it is said during that period someone wrote “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, as a catechism song for young Catholics. The song has double meaning for their is a hidden meaning for Catholics. So each gift represents a religious symbol which makes it easier for the kids to remember.

Today, let us use this song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, to keep Christ in Christmas.

The “True Love” in this Carol is Jesus Christ, because truly Love was born on Christmas Day. The partridge in the pear tree represents Jesus for that bird will sacrifice its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning injury to draw away predators.

The two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. The Holy Bible is divided into two sections, the Old and New Testaments.

The three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love.

The four calling birds were the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Gospels proclaim the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The five golden rings represented the first five books of the Old Testament, which describe man’s fall into sin and the great love of God in sending a Savior.

The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch:  1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit—–Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

(Romans 12:6-8;)

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit—–

The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control.  (Galatians 5:22)

The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments. You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God’s name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Apostles.

The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) his brother Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James son of Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas son of James. (Luke 6:14-16).

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles’ Creed.

The Twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

Merry Christmas to all God’s children everywhere. Enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas!