THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:22-23 ESV)

            The poem “Twelve Days of Christmas” is associated with a television network as a Christmas theme this year. Twelve made-for-television movies are being premiered during the holiday season and promoted using the familiar title.

            The song has also gone through several humorous renderings. I recently heard a consumer oriented portrayal of the piece on the radio: “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Japanese transistor radio….”

            Most people see the song as a silly Christmas carol. What is the story behind the strange lyrics written by Catholic clerics?

            The teaching of the Roman Catholic Church was outlawed in 16^th century England by King Henry VIII. A person could be drawn and quartered for teaching children Catholicism. The church went underground. Clerics composed what seemed to be a senseless poem to teach important tenets of faith.

            The twelve days do not begin December 14 and go through Christmas Day.  The days of Christmas are December 25 to January 5, beginning on Christmas Eve (midnight Mass) and ending on the Day of Epiphany (the day established to recognize the coming of the Magi). Those days were a time of rededication and renewal when people were confined to inactivity by the cold English weather.  Societies were rural and very few worked in the dead of winter.

            The custom ended primarily because of progress. With the coming of the Industrial Age and a year-round work schedule, the practice became difficult and eventually discarded. Twelve days became 12 hours, Christmas Eve evening to Christmas Day morning.

            The “True Love” mentioned in the song is not a sweetheart but a code for God.  The person receiving gifts represents anyone accepting Jesus as the Son of God and their personal Savior. Each gift portrays an important facet of faith.

1^st day – the True Love gave to me “a partridge in a pear tree.”

            The partridge represents Jesus, whose birthday is celebrated on the first day of Christmas. A mother partridge is the only bird that will die to protect its young.

2^nd day – the True Love gave to me “two turtledoves.”

            The Old and New Testament! The doves are the roadmap, guiding people to the meaning of life and the way home.

3^rd day – the True Love gave to me “three French hens.”

            The three virtues of faith, hope and love. This gift gives attention to essential elements for having a relationship with God.

4^th day – the True Love gave to me “four calling birds.”

            The four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John! They call out to everyone the Good News of eternal life.

5^th day – the True Love gave to me “five gold rings.”

            The first five books of the Old Testament! The Pentateuch gives the golden rule of life and divine principles for living successfully.

6^th day – the True Love gave to me “six geese-a-laying.”

            Each egg is a day in creation. The world was hatched or formed by God.

7^th day – the True Love gave to me “seven swans a-swimming.”

            This part of the poem requires more familiarity with the Bible. The seven gifts are the attributes of exhorting, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading and being merciful. (Romans 12:6-8)

8^th day – the True Love gave to me “eight maids a-milking.”

            Jesus came to save the lowliest of the low. A milkmaid was the worst job someone in England could have during this period. The eight maids are the Beatitudes – the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

9^th day – the True Love gave to me “nine ladies dancing.”

            The fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

10^th day – the True Love gave to me “ten lords a-leaping.”

            This is the easiest gift to understand – the Ten Commandments. Lords were judges in charge of the law.

11^th day – the True Love gave to me “eleven piper piping.”

            The pied pipers represent the original disciples truly committed to Christ, proclaiming the message of salvation. This almost appears as a trick question because most think of twelve disciples but Judas forsook Jesus.

12^th day – the True Love gave to me “twelve drummers drumming.”

            This represents the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed. A Creed is a statement of faith containing elements needful for salvation. This Creed became a major tool for teaching the central truths of faith before the Bible was widely read.

Application

            Twelve days may no longer be celebrated, but whatever days or hours Christmas is honored serves as an important bridge, connecting persecuted believers with God’s plan.

            In many parts of the world the church is still experiencing persecution. Some following Jesus are being imprisoned and tormented, others have gone underground. Code words and signals are still connecting believers with others for strength and encouragement. Whenever you sing or hear the song being performed this holiday season, pray for the persecuted church.