The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the First Day of Christmas my True Love gave to me:

 

A Partridge in a Pear Tree - Christ on the cross

The mother partridge will lure enemies away from the nest of defenseless chicks in order to protect them. She will literally risk her life for her children. The bird's willingness to die for its young made it an ancient Christian symbol of Christ. The pear tree represents the cross.

Two Turtle Doves: - The Old and New Testaments, also two turtledoves were sacrificed in the temple when Mary and Joseph dedicated him at the temple as an infant

Three French Hens- the Costly gifts of Gold frankincense and Myrrh given by the three wisemen

Four Calling Birds - The Four Gospels, Matthew Mark, Luke and John\

Five Golden Rings - the Five First Books of Law of the Bible - Genesis Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers Deuteronomy

Six Geese alaying-

Eggs symbolize new life-which is why we use them during Easter. The six geese laying eggs remind us of the six days of God's creation of the world.

Seven Swans a Swimming - the Seven gifts of the Spirit

The seven gifts of the spirit are listed in Romans 12:6-8

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

 

Eight Maids a milking- the Eight Beatitudes

The maids who milked the cows were the least of the servants in a home. Their job symbolizes Christ taking on the lowly status of a servant for mankind. The eight maids stand for the eight beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

Nine Ladies Dancing- Nine Fruits of the Spirit

Galations 5:22-23. By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Just as these ladies dance joyfully so can every Christians rejoice over the life-changing fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Ten Lords a Leaping - Ten Commandments

Lords established the law in their own land. The Lords stand for the Ten Commandments which are holy and good. You shall have no other gods, you shall not use the name of the Lord in an evil manner, remember the Sabbath and keep it holy, honor your father and mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not envy your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's things.

Eleven Pipers Piping - The eleven apostles who did not betray Christ

Twelve Drummers Drumming- the Twelve Teachings of the Apostles Creed.

Twelve Drummers drumming represent the twelve teachings of the Apostles creed. Drummers set the pace of a march. The teachings of the creed are reminders of what we believe, setting the pace and rhythm for our life

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of Saints
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen

 

Twelve Days Graphics from