The 12 Days of Christmas

Why was this song written and what is the significance to Christmas. Legend states that during the sixteneth century the Church of England forbid all religeous teaching about Christ other than theirs.

It is said that parents who refused to join the Church taught their children in secret through the song.

The song calls the giver of the gifts "My True Love" - James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from God.

A Partridge In A Pear Tree - A partridge is a small bird willing to give it's life to defend it's babies from harm. The partridge reminds us of Jesus Christ who died on the cross (Tree) to save mankind.

Two Turtle Doves - gentle birds of peace. Mary & Joseph offerd a sacricfie of doves when they presented Jesus to the Lord - Luke 2:22,24 -

Three French Hens - French hens could only be aforded by the wealthy. Jesus was presented with three expensive gifts by the wise men, Gold, Frankincence and Myrrh - Matthew 2: 10 -11 -

Four Calling Birds - each kind of bird has a uniqe call. Matthew, Mark, Luke & John each had a unique story to tell and they were recorded in the four Gospels.

Five Golden Rings - gold rings are treasured. The first five books of the old testament (the Torah) or the Law (God's directions) these are treasures worth more than Gold. They are Genesis, Exodus, Levitcus, Numbers and Deuteronomy - Psalm 19:9-10 -

Six Geese A-Laying - In China people would give an egg to friends when a new baby was born. The Bible talks of six new days of life in the creation Story - Genesis 1:31 -

Seven Swans A Swimming - a newly hatched swan as it grows changes from something of an ugly duckling to a thing of beauty. We know we are God's child beacause he has given to us his spirit. The seven swans remind us of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit - Romans 12: 6-8  -

Eight Maids A Milking - Babies are given milk  to help them grow.  Reading Gods wors is like drinking milk it will help us grow in heart, mind and spirit. Jesus taught his followers special syaing to help them grow strong in their faith, the are know as the Beatitudes - Matthew 5:3-10 -

Nine Ladies Dancing - Do you dance when you feel joyful? There are nine gift's of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindess, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control - Gelations 5:22-23 -

Ten Lords A-Leaping - Lords were important and they were to be obeyed. God has given to us Ten Commandments to obey - Exodus 20:2-17

Eleven Pipers Piping - A piper travled through villages playing happy tunes. As in The Pied Piper the children would follow him all over town. The Twelve disciples followed Jesus everywhere he went. But only eleven faithfully stayed with him. The disciples carried the mesage of God's love to the people
 - Mark 3:16-19-

Tweleve Drummers Drumming - The drummer beats out a steady rythym keeping everyone in time.  Christians belong to many diffirent Churches but one thing gives them unity - their common beliefs. The Apostles Creed lists twelve things Christians beleive about  God.

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
and born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.