While I was reading some outdated Christian mags, I chanced upon this article that writes up on the song "12 Days of Christmas". And it really opens my eyes real wide! Did you know that it's more than just a catchy tune, a song that we can take turns to sing and a song we can act out? It actually has deep meaning behind it!

Here's a refresher of the song (with only the last day shown):

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

So it was said that in the 16th century, England established its own official state church. But some didn't accept the state church. So one way the people taught their children these "illegal" beliefs was through music! So here's the decoder's msg:

My True Love--the generous giver, God. And each present represents something He has for Christians

Partridge in the pear tree--partridge is similar to a quail, a small bird. It is brave to fight to the death for its young. So that is a symbol of how Jesus willingly die on the cross (tree) for everyone.

Two Turtledoves--the Jewish families used these creatures as offerings to God. It can also represent the 2 parts of the Bible (Old and New Testament)

Three French Hens--during the Middle Ages, poultry could only be afforded by the wealthy. So they represented the expensive gifs from the wise men--Gold, myrrh and frankincense. It could also mean the 3 persons of the Trinity. Or the gift of Faith, Hope and Love

Four calling birds--the 4 Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It's the account of Jesus' life which spread the word about Him like the birds that clearly sing their song

Five Golden rings--the valuable gift tha represents the first 5 books of the OT (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). It's called Torah by the Jews

Six geese a-laying--reminders of the 6 days of creation. Eggs that the geese lay can mean new life that is created

Seven swans--just as how unattactive baby swans mature into beautiful birds (rmb Ugly Duckling story?), Christians can grow to be like Jesus by the Holy Spirit. They can do this with His seven gifts in Romans 12--Prophecy, service, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading and mercy

Eight maids a-milking--Milk nourishes kids. So eight of Jesus' teaching from the Sermon on the Mount build up one spiritually. It's also known as the Beatitudes. Maids can also represent the eight people on the Ark who survived the flood

Nine ladies dancing--a call of celebration! So can Christians do so because of God's gift of the 9 fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control

Ten Lords a-leaping--Lords have authorities in the Middle Ages and people had to do as they say. So this represent the 10 commandements that is in Ex 20 that Christians are expected to obey

Eleven pipers piping--11 pipers represent the 11 apostles minus Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus. They followed Christ like kids trailing after a peper. So the Apostles also urged others to come along with their joyful msg of salvation!

Finally, Tweleve drummers drumming--beating out a rhythm to follow, they serve as reminders of the 12 basic Christian beliefs in the Apostle's Creed (See below). It includes truths of God, the Father as Creator, Jesus' redeeming work and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, it coould represent the 12 tribes of Israel or the 12 gates on Heaven.

There! A summary of it! I hope the next time you hear this or sing this song, it'll be a wonderful reminder and food-for-thought about Christianity and God!

The Apostle's Creed

1. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth.
2. and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord
3. who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary,
4. suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried: He descended into Hell:
5. the third day He rose again from the dead.
6. He ascended into Heaven,
7. and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
8. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
9. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
10. one holy Christian Church, the fellowship of saints,
11. the forgiveness of sins,
12. the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.