Vancouver Island Parochial District

               

A couple years ago I was sent a video in an email entitled “The 12 days of Christmas” by an acapella group called Straight No Chaser. It is a wonderful whimsical rendition of the traditional song which turns into a Christmas medley. The song ends with the group singing portions of Toto’s “Africa” with a distinct Christmas twist. That song was recorded in 1998 and has become a big hit on the internet so much so that in 2008 the group of singers reunited and has made several albums, two of which I own. I bring this up for two reasons: The first is that I love that song and have been showing it to everyone who will give me the chance.  Secondly, according to some, the song “The 12 days of Christmas” actually has Christian undertones. As I did more research into the Christian meanings behind the song, I did find some sources that claimed them as urban legends and claimed there was not enough evidence to prove that the song was written to inspire Christian beliefs. However, there is also not enough evidence to prove otherwise, and if we can take something we hear every year and see Christ is it, I believe it is always better to believe than to doubt.

Many people look at this song as referring to the 12 days leading up to (and ending with) Christmas, however even the urban legend critics agree that the song actually begins on Christmas Day and ends the day before Epiphany, which gives credence to its possible Christian origin. The following is the Christmas Carol and the symbolism behind each of the days. (Feel free to sing along!)

 

 

1. On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: A partridge in a pear tree. 
This symbolises our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate on Christmas.

2. On the Second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Two turtle doves.
The doves represent the Old and New Testament.

3. On the Third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Three French hens.
The Three Theological verses as told to us in 1 Corinthians 13:13, Faith, Hope, and Love.

4. On the Fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Four calling birds.
The four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

 

5. On the Fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Five golden rings.
The First five books of the Old Testament known as the Pentateuch. These books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books tell of the creation of everything and the fall of mankind.

6. On the Sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Six geese a-laying.

The six days of creation is which our Lord gave us and everything life.

7. On the Seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Seven swans a-swimming.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit as explained in Romans 12:6-8 and in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11: Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion.

8. On the Eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Eight maids a-milking.
The eight Beatitudes as told to us by Christ in Matthew 5:3-10: Blessed are the poor in spirit, Blessed are those who mourn, Blessed are the meek, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, Blessed are the merciful, Blessed are the pure in heart, Blessed are the peacemakers, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.

9. On the Ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Nine ladies dancing.

The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit as told to us in Galatians 5:22: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

10. On the Tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Ten lords’ a-leaping. 

The Ten Commandments

11. On the Eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Eleven pipers piping.

The Eleven Apostles who were faithful to Christ, excluding the twelfth apostle Judas who betrayed our Lord and Saviour.

12. On the Twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Twelve drummers drumming.

The Twelve main points of Doctrine and Faith listed throughout the Nicene Creed.

 

I hope that this helps to remind us that what is important is that in all that we do, in all that we hear, and in all that we see, we should constantly strive to not just find Christ, but to also be like Christ in every way. May God watch over us during this Holiday season and From Dobr. Erin, Noah and I to your family, may God bless you all with a Joyous Nativity and Prosperous New Year.

 

 

Yours in Christ,