The Secret Christmas Carol

The 12 days of Christmas? What is that all about? A partridge, five golden rings, some geese and dancing ladies... what does that have to do with celebrating Christmas? I finally decided to find out for myself. This is so creative and dynamic.

The 12 days of Christmas refer to the 12 days of feasting, celebration,  and commemoration of the incarnation of Christ which began on December 25 and ended on January 5. This puzzling carol dates back to the 16th century when Roman Catholics were under persecution in England. For over 300 years, it was illegal for Christians to practice or...express their faith in any form in public. If they were caught doing so, it meant prison time and/or death.

Truth will always find a way to express itself, regardless of the efforts of sinful people to stifle the voice and truth of God. Those creative Christians  cleverly devised "The 12 Days of Christmas" with a secret coded message that only they understood. This is what it means.

First Day - The "Partridge in a Pear Tree" represents the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. The instinctive habit of a mother partridge is to pretend injury to distract predators away from her helpless babies.

Second Day - "Two Turtle Doves" refers to the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Dove represents the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Third Day - "Three French Hens" stands for "faith, hope, and love" 1 Corinthians 13:13

Fourth Day - "Four Calling Birds symbolizes the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

Fifth Day - "Five Golden Rings" represents Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, the five books of the Old Testament.

Sixth Day - "Six Geese  A-Laying" The six days when Almighty God created the heavens and the earth by the release of His will through His power- filled voice.

Seventh Day - "Seven Swans A-Swimming" express the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophecy, Ministry, Teaching, Exhortation, Generous Giving, Leadership, and Compassion.

Eighth Day - "Eight Maids A-Milking" speak of the eight beatitudes in The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5.

Ninth Day - "Nine Ladies Dancing" represent the nine fruit of the Holy Spirit expressed in the lives of the Christians. Galatians 5:22-23

Tenth Day - "Ten Lords A-Leaping" the Ten Commandments  Exodus 20: 1-17

Eleventh Day - "Eleven Pipers Piping" the 11 faithful disciples (Judas was excluded because of his betrayal)

Twelfth Day - "Twelve Drummers Drumming" the 12 Doctrinal points, the core beliefs of the Christian faith, of the Apostles Creed

Ingenious! But, aren't you glad we don't have to keep all that straight in our minds and hearts, so we can relate to what someone is trying say to us in a situation of trying circumstances? I am so glad we can still declare our faith in Jesus Christ openly and without fear of persecution.

Just think, there are people in our society who are trying to return us to a 16th century style of Christian living. Be bold, declare the glory of God without fear or hesitation! Sing the Christmas carols loud and strong and freely declare "Glory to God in the Highest".  Merry Christmas!