Have you ever wondered what a partridge in a pear tree has to do with Christmas?
The 12 days of Christmas started December 25th to The Epiphany on January 6th, the cycle of Christ's birth to his baptism. The song, The Twelves Days of Christmas, dates back to Medieval French troubadours, formally published by an Englishman, J.O. Helliwell in 1842.
Here's one interpretation of the Song:
12 Drummers Drumming - The 12 Articles of Faith
11 Pipers Piping - The 11 apostles, less Judas
10 Lords A Leaping - The Ten Commandments
9 Ladies Dancing - To recall the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance
8 Maids A Milking - The Beatitudes
7 Swans A Swimming - Gifts of the Holy Spirit: piety, wisdom, counsel, fear of the Lord, understanding, knowledge and fortitude
6 Geese A Laying - Six Days of Creation
5 Gold Rings - First five books of the Old Testament
4 Calling Birds - Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
3 French Hens - Three gifts of the Magi; or faith, hope and charity
2 Turtle Doves - Two birds sacrificed by the Jews at the birth of a son
A Partridge in a Pear Tree - Christ who gathers his young under his wings.
Singing is a fun way to get into the spirit of Christmas. I grabbed an old songbook of carols, compliments of our local newspaper years ago. I sat on the sofa and sang some childhood favorites. When finished, I felt a rush of joy.
"O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, You speak of God, unchanging.
You tell us all to faithful be. And trust in God eternally.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, You speak of God unchanging."
Enjoy your day with the Angels. And make a joyful noise!
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
(Note: Excerpts from Do You Know What I Know? by Jim Cook)
