In my youth, my family used to sing the “12 days of Christmas” song in the car while traveling to visit relatives. Later in life, it became known to me the meaning of the words conveyed therein (see below). Only recently, however, did it dawn on me to which these 12 days applied… they are those from Christmas to the Epiphany!
With the world continuing to celebrate Christmas before that holy day comes, leaving an empty void for many after it arrives (as was my experience), may we continue to relish annually the penitential season of Advent and celebrate with great joy the true Christmas season… as we await Our Lord’s second coming!!!
A partridge in a pear tree – Jesus
2 turtle doves – the Old & New Testaments
3 French hens – the 3 theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity
4 calling birds – the 4 Gospels
5 golden rings – the Law from the first 5 books of the Old Testament
6 geese a laying – the 6 days of creation
7 swans a swimming – the 7 gifts of the Holy Ghost
8 maids a milking – the 8 Beatitudes
9 ladies dancing – the 9 fruits of the Holy Ghost
10 lords a leaping – the 10 Commandments
11 pipers piping – the 11 faithful Apostles
12 drummers drumming – the 12 points of the Apostles Creed
CALL TO ACTION: Recall the meaning of this song, as our forebearers did when persecuted, should we undergo the same in these end times!