The 12 Days After Christmas
Christmas used to be my favorite "holy day" or holiday. Since I grew up without a lot of festivity regarding Christmas, I've always made sure we hung lights, listened to nothing but Christmas music from mid-November to Dec. 25, and led my family to decorate a tree, putting presents under it. I think a lot of this was an attempt to be different from my father, who to my knowledge has never hung so much as an ornament or strung a set of lights in his life. That's another story, and it's not meant to be a slam against dad. I just wanted to be different, that's all.
But the last few years, the lights and the music have not been very fulfilling to me, and I think I know why. I've put way too much expectation in the day, and it always leaves me a little flat. Truth is, I've always enjoyed the preparation for the day more than the day itself. And that's why a few years back I began to learn more about Advent, and make it the vehicle by which I worship during the Christmas season.
Advent is simply a season (the four Sundays before Christmas Day) that enables us to once again prepare not only for the birth of Christ, but also for His second coming. Rather than throw it all on one day (Dec. 25) Advent challenges us to see an entire season of preparation, like a pregnant woman preparing for a birth. The anticipation, the joy, even the fear and pain, are all part of Advent.
Historically it was also a time when new converts to the faith prepared for baptism, searching their hearts for sin and impurity, desiring to walk worthy of this newfound faith. And then they would be baptized on the first Sunday of the new year, or Epiphany.
There are lots of favorite Christmas carols out there. One of our least favorite might be "The 12 Days of Christmas," simply because it's so long and repetitive. And what's with Christmas lasting 12 days? It's only Dec. 25, right?
Take a look at the lyrics of "The 12 Days." Many point to the original meaning of the song as a simple tune used for teaching children the basic tenents of the faith during the 16th century. Others disagree, saying there is not enough evidence for this.
1 True Love refers to God, and Jesus is the Partridge in a Pear Tree, the one who protects his chicks (see Luke 13:34)
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Love
4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels that call out or proclaim the Good News
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles (leaving out Judas)
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
Perhaps, when all is said and done, historical accuracy is not really the point. Perhaps more important is that Christians can celebrate their rich heritage, and God's grace, through one more avenue this Christmas. Now, when they hear what they once thought was a secular "nonsense song," they will be reminded in one more way of the grace of God working in transforming ways in their lives and in our world. After all, is that not the meaning of Christmas anyway?
Preparing . . . waiting . . . yearning . . . anticipating . . . I still celebrate Dec. 25 with my family, but Christmas morning is no longer the pinnacle of my worship. Now it's an entire season of Advent Candles, Christmas Eve, giving to the poor, soul searching, and deepening of my faith.
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If you're looking for last-minute gifts, check out my website, www.hughpoland.com The little devotional books there have been known to point people toward the One who is the Center of Christmas.
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