by Christine Byrne and Alyssa Tomasello
~ On the FIRST day of Christmas my true love gave to me: A Partridge in a Pear Tree.
The partridge in a pear tree symbolizes Jesus, the Son of God, whose birthday is celebrated on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ’s sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . .” (Luke 13:34)
~ On the SECOND day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Two Turtle Doves
The two turtledoves symbolize both the Old and New Testaments in which God reveals His story to the world.
~ On the THIRD day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Three French Hens
Found in 1 Corinthians 13:13 the three theological virtues are stated. The Three French Hens illustrate the virtues of: Faith, Hope, and Love.
~ On the FOURTH day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Four Calling Birds
Four Calling Birds demonstrate four Gospels.
~ On the FIFTH day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Five Gold Rings
The Five Golden Rings describe the first Five Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This beginning section of the Bible displays the history of humanity’s sinful failure and God’s response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.
~ On the SIXTH day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Six Geese A-laying
These six geese represent the six days of creation in which God is recognized as the ultimate creator.
~ On the SEVENTH day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Seven Swans A-swimming
In both the book of Romans and the book of Corinthians the gifts of the Holy Spirit are proclaimed. These seven gifts that the swans personify are as follows: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion.
~ On the EIGHTH day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Eight Maids A-milking
The eight Beatitudes show the importance of being set apart from the world and living for God. “Blessed are: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:3-10)”.
~ On the NINTH day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Nine Ladies Dancing
This date is an illustration of the nine fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control.
~ On the TENTH day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Ten Lords A-leaping
The tenth day signifies the Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses in Exodus. The ten commandments are listed here: “You shall have no other gods before me; Do not make an idol; Do not take God’s name in vain; Remember the Sabbath Day; Honor your father and mother; Do not murder; Do not commit adultery; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness; Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)”.
~ On the ELEVENTH day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles are the Eleven Pipers Piping. These eleven are Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James bar Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.
~ On the TWELFTH day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Twelve Drummers Drumming
The Twelve Drummers Drumming is the Apostle’s creed. “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.”
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