| AND JUST FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, 2003 |
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On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a Partridge in a pear tree. A mother partridge lures enemies away from her defenseless chicks in order to protect them. Just as she sacrifices her life for her children, so did Christ for us. Add to that the image of a pear tree that symbolized the cross and together, this first gift represented the ultimate gift given by the Babe born on Christmas day. 2 Turtledoves The two turtledoves stood for both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Doves were also the symbols of truth and peace, once again reinforcing the tie to Christ and Christmas. 3 French hens In the 16th century, French hens were very expensive food items, reserved for only the richest homes. If a banquet served French hens, then it was truly a meal fit for a king. In the song, the hens symbolized the expensive gifts brought by the wise men, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 4 Calling birds The four calling birds stood for the authors of the Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - that trumpeted the story of Jesus and told about His life and ministry from birth to death. 5 Golden rings The five rings stood for the five Old Testament books that Christians knew as the "law of Moses." These gifts were to remind the singer of not only man's fall from grace due to sin, but the fact that a Savior would come to offer salvation and a path back to God. 6 Geese-a-laying The Lord made the world in six days. Just as eggs are a symbol for new life and creation, so the geese laying eggs presented the whole story of God moving his hand over the void to create life. 7 Swans-a-swimming Paul writes in Romans 12: 6-8 of the gifts of the "Holy Spirit." These gifts - prophesy, service, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy - were linked to the lyrics' symbol of swans, birds considered by many to be the most graceful and beautiful birds in England. When you walk with God, the gifts of the Spirit move in your life as easily as a swan on water. 8 Maids-a-milking At this time, no job was lower than working with cattle or in a barn. Yet, Christ, the King of Man, served people without regard to status, race, sex, or creed. The number eight also represented the beatitudes listed in Matthew 5: 3-10. 9 Ladies dancing The nine fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control - were hidden by the image of nine ladies dancing. In truth, this dance taught the real joy and rewards of serving Christ. 10 Lords-a-leaping The ten lords represent the Ten Commandments. Since a lord was supposed to be a just and honorable man and the final voice of law in his domain, it was understandable why ten lords would represent the ten laws God gave his people through Moses. 11 Pipers piping There were twelve disciples, but in the end one of them did not embrace Christ or His message of salvation. The eleven pipers piping thus served as the image of the eleven apostles who took the message of Christ's life and resurrection to the world. 12 Drummers drumming The final gift represented "The Apostles' Creed," a very important confessional taught to all Catholics, and which contained a dozen different elements. The drum was probably used as a symbol of the pace of rhythm that this creed gave each believer's daily walk with the Lord. |
| The True Meaning of The Twelve Days of Christmas Adapted from Stories Behind the Best- Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins |