December 26th marked the begining of the twelve days of Christmas. That's right - the twelve days after Christmas are the days we sing about, ending with Epiphany on January 6th, the holiday in which we celebrate the Magi's arrival before Jesus.
Here's the story about the 12 Days of Christmas (courtesy of Holy Trinity Church in New Rochelle, NY - http://www.holytrinitynewrochelle.org/yourti102896.html):
The song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" dates from a time of religious persecution. The song was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.
1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.
2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels.
5. The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
7. The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.
12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.
The "true love" in the song refers to God and the "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian.
I hope you all have a fantastic twelve days and a Happy New Year!
Youth will resume Sunday, January 9th at 3:30 - 7:45 PM for the Youth Mission Fair.
- Carley
