Anything is Possible

Luke 1:37

For nothing is impossible with God.

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. The only legal Christian denomination was the Church of England. Catholics were persecuted and some killed for their faith during that time. Faithful Catholics created an underground movement to continue to practice their faith. One of the most difficult tasks was to instruct children in the catechism without being discovered. Legend has it that one of the ways they accomplished this was through the song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. This song is an allegory with two levels of meaning. On the surface, it is a silly story of a love sick man and the gifts selected in an effort to woo his one true love. The hidden meaning of the song is the Gift that God (my true love) gives to me.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree – Jesus on the cross. A mother partridge is a symbol of courage and devotion. When an enemy attacks, the mother will lure it away from the nest in an effort to protect her chicks. She is willing to sacrifices her life for the sake of her children.

Two Turtle Doves – The Old and New Testament.

Three French Hens – In the 16^th century, French Hens were very expensive and only served in the richest homes. A meal fit for a King. The Hens represent the three wise men and the gifts they presented to the Newborn King.

Four Calling Birds – The Four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Five Golden Rings – The first five books of the Bible.

Six Geese a laying – the six days of creation.

Seven Swans a swimming – Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12: 6-8). Swans were considered the most graceful fowl in England. Children were taught that when you walk with God, the gifts of the Holy Spirit moves in you creating a grace filled life.

Eight Maids a Milking – The Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3-10). During this time in England, no job was considered lower than working with cattle. For women servants to be used this way indicated that they were of little or no worth to their master. But Christ serves people without regard to their status in life.

Nine Ladies Dancing – Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23a)

Ten Lords-a-leaping – The Ten Commandments. Lords in England represented the law, so children would have understood that the Lord’s represented God’s law.

Eleven Pipers Piping – the eleven faithful disciples who took the message of Christ to the world.

Twelve Drummers Drumming – The 12 different elements of the Apostles Creed.

The interesting irony about this song is that it became amazingly popular. So much so, that it was heard most Christmas seasons in the royal palace. God does have a sense of humor.

Just for information - they estimate that if you were to buy all 364 items on the list, it would cost $96,824. With God, these gifts are FREE!