The 12 Days of Christmas

People love to find hidden meaning in songs. Many claim the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” was written so people could remember their faith in times of persecution. Day one referring to Jesus, Day 2 to the Old and New Testaments, Day 3 to the Trinity or the three gifts of the wise men, Day 4 to the Gospels, Day 5 to the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), Day 6 to the days of creation, Day 7 to the seven sacraments, Day 8 to the eight Beatitudes, Day 9 to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, Day 10 to the Ten Commandments, Day 11 to 11 faithful apostles, and Day 12 to the doctrines in the Apostle’s Creed. It’s interesting, but there’s no real truth to it.

     There’s no harm in finding meaning in the song, but there’s also no harm in simply enjoying the song as it is – about a person who tried to show his or her true love with different gifts.

     The truth is more exciting. The 12 days of Christmas was part of the Christian worship calendar focusing on the time between the celebration of Jesus’ birth, and the festival of Epiphany, celebrated on January 6. Epiphany commemorates the first manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi who came to see Jesus, as well as the first manifestation of Jesus’ divinity, which occurred at his baptism in the Jordan River. The period of time between Christmas and Epiphany was called the 12 days of Christmas or 12 days of focusing on Jesus.

       The early church believed the incarnation was too vital to simply observe for one day and then put aside for the year. Christmas is not a day; it’s an event that changed everything. As the early church fathers pointed toward Lent and Easter, they saw the need to first focus on Jesus’ life.

     The fact Jesus was worshipped by the Magi was significant – Gentiles worshipped the Son of God. These astrologers from the East recognized who Jesus was before the Israelite leaders had a clue. The religious leaders rejected the one worshipped by the wise ones of the world. Interesting thought to ponder.

     Most don’t celebrate the 12 days of Christmas, but neither should we go forward as if Christmas is over. Jesus born and lying in a manger is the incarnation – when God became flesh. But from that day forward our life with Christ begins and we proclaim Emmanuel – God dwelling among us. Let’s never stop celebrating that Good News.  – Rick