It’s THAT time of the year where the carols burst out, the eggnog is provided, and love is shown. Of course let’s not forget about Santa and his pack of elves and reindeer! Leaving a plate of cookies and warm milk is a tradition to some and others enjoy many more family based festivities to get ready for the cold winter that brings Christmas. Every year as the air grows colder, and the snow starts to fall, the annual Christmas programs are held at the elementary level through high school. New songs are sung and old ones still warm the hearts of the crowd. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Here Comes Santa Claus” are some favorites, but “The 12 Days of Christmas” is what gets people laughing.
In the true meaning of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” each day represents someone or something that in the Bible.
* The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.
* Two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments
* Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
* The four calling birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
* The five golden rings recall the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
* The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
* Seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit – Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
* The eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes.
* Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
* The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
* The eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful disciples.
* The twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.
There are some very interesting theories behind each Christmas song, and maybe knowing the true meaning of your favorite Christmas song will help you find the true meaning of Christmas. I hope you find what you’re looking for and have a very Merry Christmas!