It is the season of Christmas, and yes Christmas is a season and not a day. Christmas, begin the celebration of Jesus’ birth, is the season that comes after the season of anticipation known as Advent, being the season of preparation for Jesus’ birth. Meaning, like it or not, it is still Christmas, so if you are reading this and still have your Christmas decorations up do not be embarrassed or feel lazy. If someone asks you, let them know, it is still Christmas after all.
Christmas is a season of 12 days. Ever wonder where the idea of the famous Christmas carol the “12 days of Christmas” came from? It came from the reality that Christmas was a season of celebration and not just a day. It starts Christmas morning on the 25th of December and continues on to the 6th of January, which is known as the day of Epiphany. Epiphany is the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles through the invitation of the three wise men from afar who were very none Jewish men. Showing clearly Jesus came for everyone.
Epiphany is celebrated by most Christians on the second Sunday after Christmas Day. We will be celebrating Epiphany this Sunday the 5th at Church of God of Exeter on the corner of Chestnut and H if you want to learn more about this wonderful day, at 9:30 am.
Regardless of Epiphany, Christmas is a season, and that is the point of this article. The season of the celebration of Jesus’ birth is still upon us, which is why we have a carol about the “12 Days of Christmas,” which is a song that was written in 1780. Now, most have criticized and debunked what I am about to write, but nevertheless, I find it fascinating, and possibly applicable in today’s world in teaching the faith. Turning this song into a pseudo catechism, which is a fancy word to just say teaching.
The myth of this song is it was originally written to help teach the faith to new believers. What does this song have to do with faith you may ask. It is about a bunch of birds and other strange things. I don’t know when or who, but someone gave each day a faith-related meaning. Here is how it breaks down:
The partridge in the pear tree = Represents Jesus Christ, who hangs upon a tree for our salvation
Two Turtle Doves = Represents the Old and New Testaments
Three French Hens = Represents the essential virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love
Four Calling Birds = Represents the Four Gospels
Five Golden Rings = Represents the Torah, which is the first five books of the Old Testament
Six Geese A-laying = Represents the six day’s of creation
Seven Swans A-swimming = Represents what Catholic tradition calls the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
Eight Maids A-milking = Represents the eight beatitudes
Nine Ladies Dancing = Represents the nine Fruits of the Spirit
Ten Lords A-leaping = Represents the ten commandments
Eleven Pipers Piping = Represents the eleven faithful apostles
Twelve Drummers Drumming = Represents the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed
Myth or not, I believe this song has something to teach us all the importance of celebrating Christmas as a season, and not just as a day because when linking these days with these particular meanings provides us with a great understanding of the fullness of what Jesus has gifted us with every Christmas.
It is a little late this year, but next year after the season of Advent, I challenge you to take some time each day of Christmas with your family and ponder on its meaning from this song. They are Biblical after all, and then take some time to pray together as a family in celebration of all Jesus came and did. God bless you and Merry Christmas. It is still Christmas after all.