Letter From the Pastor
James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Unveiling the Secret Faith of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
Discover the hidden Christian symbolism in the beloved carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas," a song created by persecuted Catholics in 16th-century England to covertly pass down their faith.
During the late 16th century in England, Catholics faced intense persecution and were forbidden to practice their faith openly. This restriction extended to all forms of religious expression, including storytelling, oral traditions, and singing. Violating these prohibitions often resulted in imprisonment, and more severe transgressions could lead to execution by hanging or beheading.
In response to these oppressive measures, Catholics found a creative way to preserve and transmit their beliefs: they devised seemingly nonsensical lyrics that covertly conveyed Biblical teachings. These songs allowed them to pass down their faith to their children without arousing suspicion or risking punishment. One such example is the carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas."
Beneath its playful surface lies a deeply symbolic catechism, where each element of the song represents a key aspect of Christian faith:
1. My true love = God; me = baptized people: The "true love" mentioned in the song symbolizes God’s unconditional love for humanity, and "me" represents those who have been baptized into the faith.
2. A partridge in a pear tree = Jesus: The partridge, a bird known to sacrifice itself to protect its young, represents Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. The pear tree is a reminder of the cross.
3. Two turtle doves = The Old and New Testaments: These doves signify the harmony between the two covenants of Scripture.
4. Three French hens = Faith, Hope, and Love: These virtues, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:13, are the foundation of Christian life.
5. Four calling birds = The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John spread the message of Christ to the world.
6. Five golden rings = The Pentateuch: These are the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—which lay the groundwork of God’s law.
7. Six geese a-laying = The six days of creation: Each egg represents a day in which God created the world, as recounted in Genesis.
8. Seven swans a-swimming = The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: These gifts, listed in Romans 12:6-8, include prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion.
9. Eight maids a-milking = The Beatitudes: These blessings, taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, guide Christians toward righteous living.
10. Nine ladies dancing = The Fruits of the Spirit: These qualities, detailed in Galatians 5:22-23, include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
11. Ten lords a-leaping = The Ten Commandments: Just as lords were responsible for upholding the law, this represents God’s moral law given to Moses.
12. Eleven pipers piping = The faithful disciples: After Judas Iscariot’s betrayal, the remaining eleven apostles carried forward Christ’s teachings.
13. Twelve drummers drumming = The Apostles' Creed: The twelve points of doctrine in this creed summarize the essentials of Christian belief.
Through this symbolic song, persecuted Catholics ingeniously ensured that the core tenets of their faith would endure, even in the face of adversity. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” thus serves as a timeless testament to resilience and devotion, reminding us of the power of faith to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
May you see Christ in all of life,
Pastor Anny+
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