Dear Friend,
The Twelve Days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany, Jan. 6th (epiphany being the Greek word for manifestation).
“The Twelve Days
of Christmas” song has its origins in spiritual symbolism-and with a serious purpose.
Each element is a code word for a religious truth.
All the gifts sent on the subsequent days of Christmas were gifts disguised in the words of the song that come to all who believe in the love and truth of God.
The song’s gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of faith and belief. The “true love” mentioned in the song doesn’t refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God. The “me” who receives the presents refers to everyone who believes.
“On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me; seven swans-a-swimming.”
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Wisdom: With the gift of wisdom, we see God at work in our lives and in the world. For the wise person, the wonders of nature, historical events, and the ups and downs of our lives take on deeper meaning. The matters of judgment about the truth, and being able to see the whole image of God. We see God and other people with dignity. Lastly being able to see God in everyone and everything everywhere.
Understanding: With the gift of understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as a follower of God’s love and truth. A person with understanding is not confused by all the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live. The gift of understanding perfects a person’s speculative reason in the apprehension of truth. It is the gift whereby self-evident principles are known.
Counsel (Right Judgment): With the gift of counsel/right judgment, we know the difference between right and wrong, and we choose to do what is right. A person with right judgment avoids sin and lives out the values. The gift of truth that allows the person to respond prudently, and happily in their belief.
Fortitude (Courage): With the gift of fortitude/courage, we overcome our fear and are willing to take risks as a follower of God’s truth. A person with courage is willing to stand up for what is right in the sight of God, even if it means accepting rejection, verbal abuse, or even physical harm and death. The gift of courage allows people the firmness of mind that is required both in doing good and in enduring evil, especially with regard to goods or evils that are difficult.
Knowledge: With the gift of knowledge, we understand the meaning of God. The gift of knowledge is more than an accumulation of facts.
Piety (Reverence): With the gift of reverence, sometimes called piety, we have a deep sense of respect for God. A person with reverence recognizes our total reliance on God and comes before God with humility, trust, and love. Piety is the gift whereby we pay worship and duty to God.
Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe): With the gift of fear of God we are aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person with wonder and awe knows that God is the perfection of all we desire: perfect knowledge, perfect goodness, perfect power, and perfect love. This gift is described as a fear of separating oneself from God. He describes the gift as a “filial fear,” like a child’s fear of offending his father, rather than a “servile fear,” that is, a fear of punishment. Also known as knowing God is all powerful. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom because it puts our mindset in its correct location with respect to God: we are the finite, dependent creatures, and He is the infinite, all-powerful Creator.
With wisdom; see God in everything and everyone. Seek to understand, respond with right judgement, have the courage to live in the love and light of God’s truth, accept the gift of knowledge, and have respect for His truth. Always be aware of the wonder and awe that appears before you.
Receive all the wonderful gifts that await you as you live in the love and light of God and truth.
God Bless,
Kandee G