Finding the True Meaning of Christmas
Start by decoding the Twelve Days of Christmas song
This can be the most joyful time of year if I let it. Christmas is about one thing and every year it seems to get muddled together with a bunch of other things. So, I’m trying to avoid the muddling—simplify life during the holidays—and reflect more on what I have, what God has provided and the miracle that took place about 2,025 years ago.
That means doing less during the holidays. During this time, I’ll have shorter posts.
And remember, Christmas starts December 25th. Like the song says, there are twelve days of Christmas.
Speaking of the Twelve Days of Christmas, a Christian tradition—popularized in modern times and shared by EWTN—interprets each day of the song as pointing to a core element of the faith. While historians debate whether this symbolism was part of the song’s original intent, many believers found it a meaningful way to reflect on the fullness of Christmas.
According to EWTN, the meanings are:
Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus Christ
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope, and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = The Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The Pentateuch, the first Five Books of the Old Testament
6 Geese A-laying = The six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
8 Maids A-milking = The eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = The nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = The ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = The eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed
I pray for the true spirit and meaning of Christmas may be found in all of us.
Peace.