Meanings of the Twelve Days

You learn some pretty neat things when you read your email and e-newsletters! This has been sitting in my inbox for awhile now. It's about the 12 Days of Christmas and I thought I'd share it with you. Enjoy!


Meanings of the Twelve Days

Day 1 - Partridge In A Pear Tree
Christ who died on the Cross for our sins

Day 2 - 2 Turtle Doves
Old and New Testaments

Day 3 - 3 French Hens
Some sources say-- Three Gifts of the Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh
Others say-- Faith, Hope, and Charity (the theological virtues)

Day 4 - 4 Calling Birds
The Four Gospels, Matt, Mark, Luke & John

Day 5 - 5 Golden Rings
The first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy.

Day 6 - 6 Geese a Laying
The six days of Creation

Day 7 - 7 Swans a Swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion
(Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

Day 8 - 8 Maids a Milking
The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)

Day 9 - 9 Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness, 6) goodness, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

Day 10 - 10 Lords a Leaping
The 10 Commandments

Day 11 - 11 Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16).

Day 12 - 12 Drummers Drumming
The Twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed:
1. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord,
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell.
5. The third day he rose again from the dead;
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
7. From there he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
9. I believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,
10. The forgiveness of sins,
11. The resurrection of the body,
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.