12 Days of Christmas

DS Christians we understand the need to make sure the next generation doesn’t forget — develop with some history

Psalm 78:1–7 NIV

1 My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— 3 things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. 5 He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, 6 so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. 7 Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

I love the cycles of the Church Year reflected in the church calendar.

They allow me to walk in the steps of Jesus in significant moments of His life and ministry.

For a long time I have been fascinated with the Christmas cycle, not to be confused with the Advent cycle which finished Christmas eve,

The Christmas cycle is the twelve days from Christmas day to Epiphany January 6th.

These are the 12 days of Christmas, these days inspired the Christmas carol.

Christmas Day first day — The birth

Epiphany 12th day — The arrival of the Magi

The days signify the journey of the Magi and further celebrate the incantation of Messiah.

It is a time to reflect on the incarnation, the revelation of Christ, and the ongoing significance of His birth for all people.

Taken as a whole the reveal the Gifts our true love, God, has given to us!

The Legend

The poem was originally written by clerics and then transformed into a carol.

It was first published in a carol book in England in 1780.

The carol we sing was composed by Frederich Austin in 1909.

In England Catholics were not permitted to practice their faith openly from 1558 — 1829.

For that reason, many believe that this song was a hidden way to teach the tenants of the faith, with meaning known only to those in the church.

Christians always look for a way to teach add share the gospel even when society tries to prevent them.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Represents Christ. A partridge is willing to risk its life to protect its young.

The mother is willing to sacrifice itself for the sake of others, much like our Savior.

He gave His life to redeem and restore His people.

Galatians 3:13 NIV

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 

Two Turtle Doves

These represent the whole of the Bible, the Old and New Testament, telling the story of God.

Three French Hens

Represent faith, hope, love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Four Calling Birds

Represent the four gospels

Five Golden Rings

Represent the Pentateuch — 5 Books of Moses

The law revealing the human need for a savior because of sin.

Six Geese A Laying

Represent the six days of creation

God created the heavens and the earth

God created the sky and seas

God created land and plants

God created sun, moon, and stars

God created fish and birds

God created animals and man

Recorded in Genesis chapter 1

Seven Swans A Swimming

Represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

Wisdom

Intelligence

Counsel

Strength

Knowledge

Piety

Fear of God (Awe)

This list comes from the Septuagint translation of Isaiah 11:1-2.

Isaiah 11:1–3 LES

1 And a rod will emerge from the root of Jesse, and a flower will come up from the root. 2 And God’s spirit will rest on him, a spirit of wisdom and intelligence, a spirit of counsel and strength, a spirit of knowledge and piety. 3 He will fill him with a spirit of the fear of God; he will not judge according to reputation or reprove according to speech.

Eight Maids A Milking

Represent the beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Nine Ladies Dancing

Represent the fruit of the Spirit

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-Control

Galatians 5:22–23 NIV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Ten Lords A Leaping

Represent the 10 Commandments — Exodus 20:1-17

You shall not have other gods besides me.

You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.

Remember to keep the Sabbath holy.

Honor your father and your mother.

You shall not kill.

You shall not commit adultery.

You shall not steal.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods

11 Pipers Piping

The 11 Apsotles

Simon Peter

Andrew

James (the son of Zebedee)

John

Philip

Bartholomew

Thomas

Matthew

James (the son of Alphaeus)

Thaddaeus

Simon the Zealot

Remember Judas betrayed Jesus and was later replaced by Mathias.

12 Drummers Drumming

Represent the twelve points of the Apostle’s 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.

5. He descended into hell. On the third day, He rose again.

6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,

9. I believe in the holy universal Church, the communion of saints,

10. I believe the forgiveness of sins,

11. I believe the resurrection of the body,

12. I believe In the life everlasting.

Conclusion

Through out history Christians have always found wonderful ways to preserve the faith and pass it on generation to generation.

All the while teaching of the gifts and promises of God and our need for salvation, inspire of how society tries to prevent it.

Psalm 22:30–31 NIV

30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. 31 They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

The 12 days of Christmas serves as an example of that historical truth.