Sunday Writing... 1-6-19... "12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TO EPIPHANY"

Good morning faithful readers!

Today starts the season of Epiphany in our church, and begins a series of writings here about "light."  Today's writing is about the 12 Days of Christmas and how that relates to Epiphany.  It discusses what some believe the song "THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS" means.  It also tells about when the 12 Days of Christmas actually are, and what Epiphany is about.  May this all bring you an "epiphany" or "ah-ha!" moment to enlighten you.

Blessings,
Jan

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Today's Devotional: 

"12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TO EPIPHANY"

by

Jan Andersen

I’m sure most of us are familiar with the Christmas song, The 12 Days of Christmas, but do you know what it is about?  Most people probably think it is about a bunch of weird gifts given to someone by their true love - maybe someone from a time long ago who could use things like drummers, pipers, leaping lords, dancing ladies, milking maids and so forth!  There have even been attempts to put a price tag on how much all those gifts would add up to each year.  USA Today published an article this past November saying it would cost a “pretty penny” at $39,094.93!  Others say it was just a memory game, to see if each person around the room could remember all the prior verses and add one more.  According to Wikipedia, a Canadian hymnologist in 1979 first proposed that the song was a secret way to convey Catholic teachings when Catholicism was against the law in England from 1558-1829.  The words to the song were first found in publication in 1780, within that time span.  Others say this is false, including Snopes, but their article is full of incorrect info as well.  So believe what you will.  But in case you are wondering, here is what was proposed to be the secret Catholic catechism symbolism:

The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The “true love” mentioned in the song doesn’t refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The “me” who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ’s sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so…”

The other symbols mean the following:

2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists

5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch”, which gives the history of man’s fall from grace.

6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation

7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments

8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments

11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles

12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed

The 12 Days of Christmas (Twelvetide or Christmastide) actually is a season in the church year that begins on Christmas and ends with the next season starting on Epiphany, January 6th, which is today.  Epiphany is the celebration of the coming of the wise men, guided by the Bethlehem star, and representing the fact that Jesus came not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles, for the whole world.  The star which tops many of our Christmas trees symbolizes not only that the star guided the magi, but also that Christ came as the Light of the World.  And we are to be His light to others of his saving grace.  

Matthew 5:14-16 ESV  [Jesus said] “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Dear Lord and Light of the World, as we celebrate Epiphany today and that You were sent to save the whole world, help us to be Your lights to this whole world through our Christian living and good works in Your name.  May all that we do and say give glory to You and the Father in heaven, who with the Holy Spirit are one in heaven.  Amen.  

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Song:

WE ARE

Kari Job

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Prayers are lifted up daily for you

 by the Devotional Writers and the Monthly Writing Staff

 of Women's Focus Ministries.

Blog Writers:

Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,   

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  Karen Bennett, 

Bre Miller, Cathy Friberg, and  Corinne Mustafa
Elizabeth McElderry, Betty Espindola,  Lynda Kinnard
Amie Spruiell, and Debbie Rodriguez

Occasional Contributors:

Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker, Beverley Napier,
 Kelly Dobyns, Glenna Williamson,  

Amie Spruiell, and Lisabeth Lipp.