While many of us are getting over the excitement of Christmas and preparing for the New Year, there are others who are still in the thick of Christmas celebration. Before Christmas, we celebrated the four weeks of Advent as we prepared and celebrated the birth of Christ. For some, Christmas was just the beginning of another celebration that lasts for twelve days and leads from Christmas to Epiphany. What is this celebration and what is Epiphany? Let’s find out.
For many of us, The 12 Days of Christmas is just a zany Christmas song that is sung in a round and keeps repeating itself. It’s just a fun song that a group of people can really get into. Yet, this song refers to an almost two week celebration of Christ’s birth and what he has given to us.
The celebration of The 12 Days of Christmas, or Christmastide, was established by the Council of Tours in 567 AD. The lyrics were published in 1780, but likely existed far earlier. While it is unknown when the song was first written, it is believed to originally be of French origin and began as a memory and forfeits game. This is a game where one makes up unrealistic lyrics to a song to stunt your opponent. If not repeated correctly, that person must forfeit something to the other person. The tune we know of today is from the English composer Frederic Austin in 1909.
The first Christmas was celebrated in 336 AD under the Roman Emperor Constatine. Christmastide goes from the first day being Christmas day to the night before Epiphany, January 6th. Epiphany was first celebrated around 200 AD and was originally the recognition of Christ’s baptism and a time when new converts to Christianity were baptized. It is still celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox today. Yet, by 361 AD, Epiphany was changed to be a celebration of the visit of the Magi to Jesus and their presentation of their gifts to him. Yet, when the Schism of the Catholic Church occurred in 1024 AD, the West continued with the celebration of the Magi on Epiphany while the East officially adopted the celebration of Christ’s baptism.
Some say the song The 12 Days of Christmas was derived or used by Catholics as a secret code to teach catechism and avoid persecution. Some believe this to be untrue for a couple of reasons: (1) the English monarch in 1780 was George III who was considered by many to be a devout Christian. Yet, he took seriously his role as the defender of the Anglican Church. While not actively against those outside the Anglican Church, he would not be supportive of them either. (2) Yet, again, there is nothing taught by this technique that would be contrary to the teachings of the Anglican Church and strictly Catholic in origin. But still, far less reasons for persecution between Catholics and Protestants had been instituted in the past. We have discovered that “conspiracy theories” often have a habit of being true. And it is interesting how the symbolism plays out quite conveniently to the lyrics of this song even though they sound rather zany at first glance.
So, let’s investigate this song and the meanings to which may be inferred.
Each stanza of the song starts with the saying, “My True Love Sent to Me . . .” This is a reference to none other than God Himself. The Bible teaches us that God is love. John tells us, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1Jn 4:9-12). Jeremiah stated, “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jr 31:3). We may not originally think of these things in the song as gifts, but as we explore, I think we can agree these are definitely gifts from a loving God. Also, the number twelve is significant because it represents perfection, authority, and completeness. So, these twelve gifts should represent the perfect gifts of God to us.
On the 1st Day of Christmas, a partridge in a pear tree is presented. This represents Jesus Christ providing wisdom and prosperity. Jesus Christ’s birth is celebrated on the first day of Christmastide. In some Christian circles, the pear signifies knowledge and wisdom, as some believe the pear was the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden, and believe the shape of the pear is linked to humanity’s sorrows. The partridge symbolizes protection and sacrifice because a partridge will give its life to defend its young. This is quite as accurate symbolism of Jesus Christ as to his origin, suffering, and sacrifice. All the gifts within this song point to him, represent him, or come from him.
On the 2nd Day of Christmas, two turtle doves are presented. These represent the Old & New Testaments, which is the provision of the complete plan of God. It is often said the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. As doves are a representation of the Holy Spirit; it is the Holy Spirit who ties all of scripture together. Paul stated in 2nd Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2Tm 3:16).
Doves also represent peace and harmony. Jesus stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Mt 5:17). By fulfilling the Law, much of the Old Testament seems like it is null and void, but because it is fulfilled, much of the Law no longer has the same impact on us because Jesus became our Old Testament required sacrifice so that we can now petition directly with the Father: The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience, and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hb 10:19-22).
On the 3rd Day of Christmas, three French hens are presented. These represent Faith, Hope, & Love. The apostle Paul stated, “And now these three [gifts] remain: faith, hope and love, But the greatest of these is love” (1Co 13:13).
French hens come in various colors and patterns, depending on the breed. They are known for their unique feather patterns, colorful eggs, and personality. Like these hens, faith, hope, & love are related but distinct on their own. They each have their own “personality” so to speak. All the other gifts given by the Holy Spirit hinge on these three. Paul tells us that other gifts without, especially, love is like listening to clanging cymbals. One must first have these three to make any other gifts effective and used in the way God intended them. The other gifts without these three can lead to pride and conceit, just the opposite of what any gift is designed to achieve.
Faith is trusting in God for what he says. Hope is believing in what God says about our future as if it already was. Love is demonstrating the trait God has shown to us to others. These are definitely gifts that can only come from God Himself.
On the 4th Day of Christmas, four calling birds are presented. These represent the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John. Although the lyrics today say “calling birds,” it seems originally it was “four colly birds.” Colly birds are typically European black thrushes but can represent any small songbird of any color. This is a great depiction of the Gospels: each one calls to all but with a slightly different song and perspective of Jesus: Matthew presents Christ as the Messiah; Mark present Christ as Our Sacrifice; Luke presents Christ as Savior to all; and John presents Christ as the Son of God.
On the 5th Day of Christmas, five gold rings are presented. These represent The Pentateuch (Torah), or the five books of Moses (i.e., Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). Gold rings signify covenant and promise. The first five books of the Bible provide God’s covenant with Israel and the set up for the new covenant which he also promised to Israel and which we, as Gentiles, are grafted into once we accept Christ for our future. Understanding the old covenant is foundational to understanding, and appreciating, the new covenant Christ has extended to us. Genesis presents how everything began by God’s design and introduces his Promised Kingdom he will one day provide through a coming Messiah. Exodus speaks of deliverance from sin and old ways and turning toward God and how to worship him. Leviticus presents the Law—a binding to God. It shows how to obey and worship a holy God. Numbers is a representation of sanctification over time like the Children of Israel enduring various trials as they traveled through the wilderness on their way to their Promised Land. Deuteronomy was a remembrance for the Children of Israel as Moses reminded them what God did for them, and he prepared them for their future once they reached their Promised Land.
On the 6th Day of Christmas, six geese a-laying were presented. These represent the six days of creation. Each day could be considered hatched, or birthed, by God. As geese lay eggs from within them to give birth to chicks, God birthed creation into existence from within him, being created from nothing already existing. Understanding how creation came to be is foundational to a proper worldview and understanding how God and we are intimately connected to each other. In various cultures, geese have been associated with creation, community, martial harmony, and seasonal changes. On Day 1, light was created. Light is paramount to life; Jesus stated he is the light of the world (Jn 8:12). On Day 2, the firmament was created which gives us air to breathe and protection from cosmic radiation, just as Jesus is our sustainer and protector (Mt 6:25-34). On Day 3, land & vegetation were created, providing us a place to live and nutrients for our needs, reminding us that Jesus is our life sustainer. On Day 4 the sun, moon, and stars were created which provide just the right balance for life to exists on the Earth—all sustained by Jesus Christ himself (Cl 1:17). On Day 5, birds & fish were created providing beauty and nourishment to sustain us—again reminding us that we are sustained by Jesus Christ himself. On Day 6, land creatures & mankind were created. The land creatures provide us nourishment, companionship, and a way to get work done. Again, all sustained by Jesus Christ.
On the 7th Day of Christmas, seven swans a-swimming were presented. These represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In some Christian literature, swans represent the Holy Spirit or God’s unconditional love for humanity. In some cases, swans are even used to symbolize Christ himself – his purity and grace being represented in this beautiful creature. Isaiah 11: 2-3 presents these gifts: (1) The Spirit of wisdom and (2) of understanding, (3) the Spirit of counsel and (4) of might (fortitude), (5) the Spirit of the knowledge and (6) fear of the LORD (piety), and he will (7) delight in the fear of the LORD. Let’s look at these more closely.
Wisdom is discernment, insight, and rightly applying God’s word. The psalmist says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise” (Ps 111:10). So, wisdom is something that we should all be pursuing.
Understanding is the ability to comprehend, learn, and connect to God’s word. Solomon, in Proverbs, says, “Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course” (Pr 15:32). Understanding leads us to having a course in life pleasing to God.
Knowledge is the theoretical and practical understanding of truth expressed through God’s word. Solomon told us, again in Proverbs, “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered” (Pr 17:27). So, knowledge of God leads us to understanding who he is, and that leads us to have awestruck respect for God which is wisdom.
Counsel is the ability to convey insight from God’s word to others. The psalmist said, “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me” (Ps 16:7). God’s word is where we should receive our counsel for how to make our plans successful.
Fortitude is courage to stand and persevere during adversity knowing God is on your side based upon His word. James tells us, “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (Ja 1:3). We should know who we are in Christ so that we can stand in spite of circumstances and chaos which may surround us.
Piety is devotion in service of God according to His word. The word piety in this verse is translated from the Latin Vulgate. It is not listed in other translations. Yet, the concept is definitely taught in scripture. In Deuteronomy, we read, “It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him” (Dt 13:4). Understanding and practicing all the previous gifts enables us to serve out of gratitude, not out of duty or necessity for approval or winning favor.
The fear of the Lord is a state of holy reference as well as being in awe of who God really is, both his wonderful love as well as his longsuffering judgment. Isaiah actually has this as two separate gifts where one has been interpreted as piety, the fear of the LORD, and secondly to delight in the fear of the LORD. To delight in the fear of the Lord is to have a relationship with this one who you can call “Abba Father” and at the same time know his capability of discipline. Solomon also said in Proverbs: “The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Pr 19:23). It is one thing to have fear, or reverence, for the Lord, but another to delight in this reverence which is another way of saying you have an intimate relationship with God. All of the previous gifts lead to being able to have this one.
On the 8th Day of Christmas, eight maids a-milking were presented. These represent the Beatitudes: those who inherit the kingdom. In 16th century England, women working as day laborers would indicate they were quite poor for they would normally take care of their house or someone else's. So, the beatitudes represent those who the world considers “lowly” but whom God esteems greatly (Mt 5: 3-10): blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted; blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth; blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled; blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy; blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God; blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God; blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. God’s kingdom is upside down to how mankind has set up kingdoms on this world (much from the influence of Satan).
On the 9th Day of Christmas, nine ladies dancing were presented. These represent the fruit of the Spirit. Dancing represents emotions and spiritual experiences. So, it isn’t a stretch to understand that nine ladies dancing would represent the fruit of the Spirit (Ga 5:22-23): Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. These add grace & beauty to anyone’s life and to all those around us.
On the 10th Day of Christmas, ten lords a-leaping are presented. These represent the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). Lords have always been associated with making proclamations, laws, and commandments. The 10 commandments are both God-relational and fellow man-relational. They cover: (1) our relationship with God: Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only; Do not take God’s name in vain; Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy; (2) Our relationship with family: Honor your father and mother. (3) Our relationship with others: Do not kill; Do not commit adultery; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness. And (4) the respect we should have for others and what is theirs: Do not covet your neighbor’s wife; Do not covet your neighbor’s possessions. These all represent how to live a harmonious life but require all to follow them.
On the 11th Day of Christmas, eleven pipers piping are presented. These represent the eleven disciples. Judas Iscariot is not included because he did not carry forth the gospel. It’s interesting that the disciples are contrasted to “pipes” or woodwinds. There are various kinds of woodwinds and can be used as solos, in combination together to play the melody, or to support the melody. The disciples were similar in that each had different talents and skills, and each complemented the building of the church and spreading the gospel to many places. Judas, of course, is excluded from this list because of his betrayal of Jesus, and a reminder that we must stand for Christ to be counted worthy by God.
On the 12th Day of Christmas, twelve drummers drumming are presented. These represent the 12 Points of the Apostle’s Creed. Drummers keep the beat or cadence for others to follow. This fits in well with the Apostle’s Creed for it is also the beat, or belief, all Christians should follow so that we are united within the body of Christ. Unity is an important point made in Scripture: The psalmist states, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Ps 133:1). Paul tells us in Ephesians, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ep 4:3). And states in Colossians, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Cl 3:14). Now let’s look at each of the 12 points in more detail:
Apostle’s Creed #1: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Paul tells us in Colossians, “For in him [Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Cl 1:16, 17). Therefore, all things originated from God.
Apostle’s Creed #2: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
Paul stated, “He [Jesus Christ] has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” (2Tm 1:9). Jesus is the ultimate solution to our sin problem.
Apostle’s Creed #3: He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
Isaiah prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Is 7:14). Matthew tells us, “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledge to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit” (Mt 1:18). As well as, “But he [Joseph] did not consummate their marriage until she [Mary] give birth to a son. And he [Joseph] gave him [the infant] the name Jesus” (Mt 1:25). Luke adds to this by saying, “You [Mary] will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus” (Lk 1:31). A virgin birth is paramount to how Jesus Christ can save us. Only someone fully human yet full God could accomplish this.
Apostle’s Creed #4: He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
Matthew states, “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” (Mt 27:22). John tells us, “Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head” (Jn 19:1-2). He goes on to say, “Finally Pilate handed him [Jesus] over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus” (Jn 19:16). He then adds, “When he [Jesus] had received the drink. Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (Jn 19:30). Mark tells us, “So Joseph [of Arimathea] brought some linen cloth, took down the body [of Jesus], wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb” (Mk 15:46). Christ was the only one who could atone for the sins of everyone.
Apostle’s Creed #5: He descended into hell [Sheol]. On the third day, he rose again.
Paul tells us in Colossians, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Cl 2:15). Peter adds to this by saying, “After being made alive [in the Spirit], he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits” (1Pt 3:19). Paul tells us in First Corinthians, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1Co 15:20). Christ’s resurrection is the hope and assurance of our resurrection and having a glorified body that will be like his for all eternity.
Apostle’s Creed #6: He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
We read in Acts, “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight” (Ac 1:9). Paul tells us in Romans: “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Ro 8:34). Christ is our ultimate high priest and makes intercession on our behalf to God, the Father.
Apostle’s Creed #7: He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
We read in Acts, “Men of Galilee,” they [the angels] said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Ac 1:11). John tells us in Revelation, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war” (Rv 19:11). And goes on to say, “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire (Rv 20:15). He is a God of love but ultimately a God of justice.
Apostle’s Creed #8: I believe in the Holy Spirit
In Acts we read, “All of them [Christ’s disciples] were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Ac 2:4). John reminds us of Jesus’ words: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (Jn 14:26). The writer of Hebrews tells us, “God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will” (Hb 2:4). And the apostle Paul tells us, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Ro 8:6). We can have the power and mind of Christ because we have the Holy Spirit.
Apostle’s Creed #9: I believe in the holy catholic Church
The word catholic here means “universal.” Paul tells us in Ephesians, “Christ is the head of the church” (Ep 5:23). And also states, “The church submits to Christ” (Ep 5:24). And then tells us, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ep 5:25). He also tells us in Second Corinthians, “I am jealous for you [the church] with a godly jealousy, I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him” (2Co 11:2). He also speaks to the church in his epistle to the Philippians: “then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Pp 2:2). We are to have unity as the body of Christ.
Apostle’s Creed #10: I believe in the communion of saints
The writer of Hebrew states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hb 12:1). As well as telling us, “. . . Not giving up meeting together . . .” (Heb 10:25). Paul tells us in Second Corinthians, “And when he had given thanks, he broke it [the bread] and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me’” (1Co 11: 24-25). We are to meet together to strengthen and encourage one another.
Apostle’s Creed #11: I believe in the forgiveness of sins
Paul tells us in Ephesians, “In him [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ep 1:7). And also in Colossians, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins” (Cl 2:13). John wrote, “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his [Jesus’] name” (1Jn 2:12). This gives us hope and the opportunity to live with Him forever.
Apostle’s Creed #12: I believe in the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
In John, we read, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (Jn 11:25). And Paul stated, “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Ro 6:5). As well as, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro 6:23). His resurrection gives us assurance of an eternity with him if we have accepted what he has done for us and the hope of our eternal future.
While the 12 Days of Christmas is just a zany Christmas song to many, I hope the next time you hear it, you will remember the key elements of our faith, what Christ gave up to give us all of these gifts, and to appreciate them and review them every time you hear this song in the future.
Paul tells us in Ep 3:20-21: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
We have a lot to live for and even more to experience both in this life and in the life to come!
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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens
