I do not want to strain at gnats and swallow camels or even upset anyone’s sensibilities but ask that you allow me to present a thought regarding the song and the celebration of the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas.’  You can find it amusing, beneficial, or consider it in error but all I ask is that you hear the conclusion of the whole matter and then decide if it is something that could be meaningful for you.

The song we most closely associate with this is one that many would consider a ‘nonsensical song’ and maybe it is and this is probably painting with too broad a brush but allow me to offer a thought regarding the song that makes it meaningful to me.  That is the key, ‘meaningful to me’ and you may not share my thoughts but if you do I hope it blesses you.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me… a partridge in a pear tree.  What if we understood the symbolism to be Jesus Christ, the Son of God represented by as a mother partridge protecting her nestlings and remember Jesus’ lament in Luke 13:34 – “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so…”  On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me…two turtle doves.  Allow the symbolism of the Old and New Testaments which together bear witness of God, creation and His incredible love to surface.  On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me… three French hens.  Now consider the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love in this verse.  On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…four calling birds.  How about we identify this as the Four Gospels:  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in which, God’s Good News is proclaimed in Jesus Christ Himself?  On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…five golden rings.  Here I identify this as the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible:  Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy which are literally the foundation of our faith in history and vision.  On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…six geese a-laying.  Here my mind sees the six days of creation where God is the creator and sustainer of the world.  On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me…seven swans a-swimming.  Insert the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:  Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion.  The equipping to live this life in Christ!  On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…eight maids a-milking.  In my mind I picture the eight beatitudes:  Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.  On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…nine ladies dancing.  In my mind I identify this as speaking of the nine fruit of the Holy Spirit:  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?  On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…ten lords a-leaping.  Here I easily envision the Ten Commandments.  On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me…eleven pipers piping.  How about the eleven faithful disciples who remained true and faithful to our Lord?  On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me… twelve drummers drumming.  It might be a stretch but if any of the aforementioned was in the motivation then one could easily consider this as speaking of the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.

Regardless of whether the song was meant to be any of that and this is only my feeble attempt to make something spiritual out of something secular, I have chosen to insert thoughts in this song that gives it spiritual meaning for my life.  I do that on occasions and as I listen to a song there is a new enjoyment as I use it to enhance my celebration of Christmas.  Christmas is AMAZING GRACE in full view and the only reason for the season is God’s Love for mankind in which or through which He opened the door of possibility that we could enter into Eternal Life forgiven!

May you have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and may God be with you as you go through this day and celebrate this joyous season!