The 12 Days of Christmas and it's Christian Meaning

The "Twelve Days of Christmas" is a song that many of us grew up singing - yet what do we really know about its origins? 

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

It has come to my attention that the historical version of the song and its origins posted here may not be completely accurate. Nonetheless, below is a possible explanation as to the song's history and meaning that also matches the video at the end of this post.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for Faith, Hope and Love.

-Four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke &   John.

-Five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the     Old Testament.

-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.

-Eight maids a-milking were the eight Beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--

  Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, 
  Gentleness, and Self Control.

-Ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

-Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Disciples.

                                     -Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve 
                                     points of  belief in the Apostles' Creed.

The popular Christmas carol goes like this:

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

       A Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a

Partridge in a Pear Tree.

      And so on... until the twelfth day -

The earliest well-known version of the music of the song was recorded by English scholar James O. Halliwell in 1842, and he published a version in 4th edition 

The Nursery Rhymes of England (1846), [Wikipedia]

Here is the Twelve Days of Christmas performed 

         by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra -          

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

The 12 Days of Christmas and it's Christian Meaning

Thanksgiving Should Be Celebrated Every Day

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. Its origin is a matter of debate, but most likely it is based on the traditional “first Thanksgiving” harvest meal shared in 1621 at the Plymouth Colony Plantation by the Pilgrims and a group of native Americans. Thanksgiving is generally observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. It is often a day for watching football games, parades, and TV specials. It usually begins the Christmas shopping season (known as Black Friday) and ushers in the start of Christmas cards, tree trimming, gift wrapping, and family gatherings. This holiday provides a valuable opportunity for the strengthening of family bonds, expressions of gratitude, and a reminder of God’s rich blessings.

Wikipedia states, “The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three days providing enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans. The feast consisted of fowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash. William Bradford noted that, "besides waterfowl, there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many”, probably gave rise to the American tradition of eating turkey at Thanksgiving.”

It is also a tradition for US Presidents to issue a pardon to the White House Thanksgiving Turkeys. Since about 1947 the National Turkey Federation has presented the President of the United States with one (and in recent years - two) live turkey(s) in a ceremony known as the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. The live turkeys are pardoned and live out the rest of their days on a farm or, since 2005, sent to either Disneyland in California or Walt Disney World in Florida, where they serve as the honorary grand marshals of Disney's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

As Christians, we acknowledge God’s goodness and provision in our expression of Thanksgiving. God’s Word implores us to give thanks to Him. Both Old and New Testament books of the Bible encourage us to have an attitude of gratitude. Psalm 50:14 tells us to, “Offer to God thanksgiving.” Psalm 95:2 says, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving…” The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:6 declares, “…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” We are to develop and display a grateful heart. 

One of my favorite psalms is 136.  It begins with verses 1-3 - thanking God for His Goodness.  "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever.  Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever."  So much we have to be thankful for!  Our families, our health, our jobs, our homes, and our ability to worship unhindered.

Thank Jesus for your salvation.  If we had nothing else to be thankful for, that would be sufficient.  Oh, how we thank Him for rescuing us from certain destruction and eternal doom.  In II Corinthians 9:15 Paul says this, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 

This Thanksgiving, make it a priority to focus on faith, family, and giving.  The blessing we receive from meeting the needs of someone else is huge.  Give to your local shelter, or volunteer your time.  Do something different as a family, and make a memory by serving others in your community.  Help distribute gift baskets at church to the needy, or invite a co-worker who doesn't have immediate family nearby for a home-cooked meal and fellowship.

It’s fun to start your own family traditions for the Thanksgiving holiday. Kids can make homemade decorations, and you can bake special pies and loaf cakes from the abundance of the fall fruits and vegetables. Watch the annual Macy’s Day Parade together. Head outside and take a nature walk, collecting leaves, pine cones, and other trinkets to display as a centerpiece on your table. Involve kids in the dinner menu selection and preparations. Say a family blessing and let each member shares what they are thankful for. There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate this special day.

What are some of your Thanksgiving Day traditions at your house?

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.   Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Thanksgiving Should Be Celebrated Every Day