Home For Christmas
One of the familiar songs we hear every Christmas is “The
Twelve Days of Christmas.” Usually, it’s a lot of fun trying to remember all the gifts and be able
to sing them in the right order. At least by the time we get to the twelfth day, we will have
mentioned each gift at least once.
The history of that song and why it was put together is really
quite interesting? From 1558-1829, Roman Catholics in England endured considerable prohibitions
against the practice of their faith (private or public). Consequently, Catholic leaders created a
musical allegory to teach children the basics of their faith. That allegory is the song we sing
today.
1 Partridge…..Jesus Christ, the Son of God
2 Turtle Doves…..Old Testament and New Testament
3 French Hens…..Faith, Hope, and Love
4 Calling Birds….Four Gospels
5 Gold Rings…..the Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy)
6 Geese a-Laying…..6 days of Creation
7 Swans a-Swimming….7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
8 Maids a-Milking…..8 Beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing…..9 Fruits of the Spirit
10 Lords a-Leaping…..10 Commandments
11 Pipers Piping…..11 Faithful Apostles
12 Drummers Drumming…..12 Points of the Apostles Creed
Fortunately, there are no prohibitions on how we practice our faith today. But do not let
the songs of Christmas become the only thing that you think of at this time of year. The
miracle of Christmas is that “God came down the stairway of heaven with a baby in His
arms, a gift that would one day make it possible for each of us to climb that same stairway in the
arms of Jesus Christ.”
“Christ died for our sins, once and for all, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us home
for an eternal Christmas.”
1 Peter 3:18
Pastor Mike
