DECODING A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The twelve days of Christmas emerged as a kind of coded message affirming belief in Christ and the Bible. Each of the 12 days represents an important aspect of the Christian faith that the disciple was to learn and adhere to. The carol dates back to the 16th century when it was illegal to practice or express their faith in any form in public.
1st day
Partridge in a pear tree: represents the birth of Christ because of the instinctual habit of mother partridges to pretend to be injured in order to decoy predators away from their helpless young.
2nd day
Two Turtle doves: refers to the Old Testament and the New Testament
3rd day
Three French hens: stands for the three virtues written about in 1 Corinthians 13:13: Faith, hope and love.
4th day
Four calling birds: symbolizes the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
5th day
Five golden rings: points to the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
6th day
Six geese a-laying: stands for the six days of creation and the affirmation that Almighty God is the creator and sustainer of all things.
7th day
Seven swans a-swimming: represents the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Romans 11: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving and generosity, leadership, and compassion and mercy.
8th day
Eight maids a-milking: stands for the eight beatitudes Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), each beginning with Blessed are (1) 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; and (8) those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.
9th day
Nine ladies dancing: represents the nine fruit of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23
10th Day
Ten Lords a-leaping: symbolizes the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20:1-7).
11th Day
Eleven pipers piping: refers to the 11 faithful disciples. Because Judas Iscariot, the 12th disciple, betrayed Jesus he is not included among the faithful.
12th day
Twelve drummers drumming: emphasizes the 12 doctrinal points of the Apostles Creed, which outlines the core beliefs of the Christian faith.
Be blessed as you celebrate Christ, the reason for the season
Pastor Rosita
