The Party's Not Over - Twelve Days of Christmas starts now.

My birthday is between Christmas and new years.  So my season of celebrating always continues after Christmas.   But for each of us there are reasons  to keep the party going after December 25th.  First consider this; even if you're not a person of faith, every time you say or write a calendar date, you are referring to Christ.  It has been 2013 years since he walked the earth, that's why this year is 2013!  

The carol, twelve days of Christmas, refers to the 12 days from Christmas to January 6, which is the Epiphany.  It's the day the 3 wise men reached Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.  It is believed that in times of religious persecution in England during the 17th century, Christians would share and teach the gospel by reciting this carol or poem which was later set to music. 

1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.
2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
5. The five gold rings recall the first five books of the Old Testament, Mosaic Law.
6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
7. The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit as described in the book of Isaiah chapter 11, verse 1 & 2.
8. The eight maids a-milking represent the eight Beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.
12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.

There's is a story behind every story.  There's always more to learn.  In 2014, I wish you a world of discovery wonder and delight!