The Twelve Days of Christmas

          When most people hear the term "The Twelve Days of Christmas" they think of the Christmas carol. It is said this song had its origins as a teaching tool to instruct young people in the meaning and content of the Christian faith.

          The song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is one example of how they did it. The song goes, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..." The "true love" represents God and the "me" who receives these presents is the underground Christian.

          The "partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift from God. The "two turtle doves" were the Old and New Testaments; another gift from God.

          The "three French hens" is the Trinity of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

          The "four calling birds" were the four Gospels that document the Good News of  Jesus Christ. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

          The "five golden rings" were the first five books of the Bible also called the Books of Moses, Pentateuch or Torah.

          The "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation.

          The "seven swans a swimming" were "seven gifts of the Holy Spirit."

          The "eight maids a milking" were the eight beatitudes.

          The "nine ladies dancing" were nine fruits of the Holy Spirit --- Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.

          The "ten lords a-leaping" were the Ten Commandments.

          The "eleven pipers piping" were the eleven faithful disciples. Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, James, Judas, Matthew, Thomas and Simon. The twelfth apostle, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

          The "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.

Copied from an email sent to me by Paul Christian. 12-19-2005

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