Is it the food? The gift-giving, or sweet times of fellowship? I must admit that I do love the songs of Christmas! Each one has its own bold, and sometimes hidden message. Words set to a tune, the music of Christmas fills our soul and enlightens our minds with the goodness of God, and the wonder of a Savior who exceeds our wildest imagination – our highest hopes – for today, tomorrow and forever.
In all nations, including the nations in the 10.40 window, where WiW serves, the songs of Christmas ring out throughout December. Some have an overt message that shout out loud – Jesus Christ is born!
But in many nations and diverse situations, there is a need for a covert message of Christian hope. Such is the case with the following Christmas carol: A Partridge in a Pear Tree.
Let’s decode this together…
The 12 Days of Christmas
1
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. (A partridge is a bird that is known to sacrifice its life for its babies. This bird represents Jesus, who is willing to give his life for us. The pear tree symbolizes the Cross.)
2
Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
3
Three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love.
(1 Corinthians 13:13)
4
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
5
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
(Genesis 1-2)
7
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit–Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leadership, and Mercy.
(Listed in Romans 12:6-8, and taught in our WiW Leadership Trainings throughout the 10.40 window)
8
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
(Matthew 5:3-12)
9
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit–Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
(Galatians 5:22-23)
10
The ten lords a-leaping represent the Ten Commandments.
(Exodus 20:1-17)
11
The eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful disciples.
(Matthew 28:16)
12
The twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.
