The commercialism of the season sometimes overpowers the true meaning of CHRISTmas, which is to celebrate the birth of Jesus and all he has done. Isaiah 7:14 states, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Through him, humanity was given the greatest gift – an opportunity to receive “Soteria” – the Greek word for salvation. It means deliverance,welfare, prosperity, preservation, safety, and eternal life through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Immanuel came to live with us to teach us how to live and give us abundant life. What an amazing gift!
I would like to share an article that suggests that the Christmas carol “12 Days of Christmas” has a hidden message because Christians during that time could not openly worship. As a result, someone wrote the song to have a secret spiritual meaning for the believers. I believe it reflects the true spirit of the holiday because it is centered on God.
The first day of Christmas –
My True Love, the Partridge in a Pear Tree is Jesus Christ.
The second day of Christmas –
Two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The doves symbolize peace.
The third day of Christmas –
The three French Hens are Faith, Hope, and Love.
The fourth day of Christmas –
The four calling birds are the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The fifth day of Christmas –
The five golden rings describe the first five books of the Old Testament.
The sixth day of Christmas –
The six geese a-laying stood for the first six days of creation.
The seventh day of Christmas –
The seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are Prophesy,
Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy (found in Romans 12:4-8)
The eighth day of Christmas –
The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.
The ninth day of Christmas –
Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The tenth day of Christmas –
The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
The eleventh day of Christmas –
The eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful apostles.
The twelfth day of Christmas –
The twelve drummers drumming represent the twelve points of belief in The Apostles’ Creed.
(original source – http://christmascarols.us/history/twelve_days_of_christmas.aspx)
PRAY THIS PRAYER: “Lord, I praise you as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. I will take time to meditate on your goodness. You were born so I could be reborn. It is a miracle! I am amazed that through the word and work of the Holy Spirit I have been forgiven and made right with you, simply because I believe in you and have surrendered my life to your Lordship. May I never forget that you, Jesus, are the reason for the season! In your name I pray – Amen.”
