Dear Parishioner,
As we approach the Christmas season, many of us have already started singing and listening to Christmas music and going to Christmas parties. When doing these things, do we truly take the time and reflect on what our faith and Christmas is all about?
In the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, there are hidden symbols of faith, with each gift representing key elements of Catholic doctrine and the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. The 12 Days traditionally begin on December 25 (Christmas Day), and end on January 5 (Twelfth Night) with the celebration of the Epiphany on January 6. For Catholics, the Christmas season then ends with the Baptism of the Lord on the following week.
Symbolism of Each Gift:
- A Partridge in a Pear Tree: Represents Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for humanity. The partridge is known for its protective nature, symbolizing Christ’s sacrificial love.
- Two Turtle Doves: Symbolize the Old and New Testaments, representing the complete story of the Christian faith and God’s plan for salvation.
- Three French Hens: These stand for the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity (love), as described in 1 Corinthians 13:13. They also represent the Holy Trinity: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Four Calling Birds: Represent the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These Gospels convey the good news of Jesus Christ and guide believers in understanding His teachings.
- Five Gold Rings: Symbolize the first five books of the Old Testament (the Torah), which outline the creation of the world and God’s covenant with humanity.
- Six Geese a-Laying: Represent the six days of creation, reflecting God’s work in forming the world.
- Seven Swans a-Swimming: Symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which include wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
- Eight Maids a-Milking: Represent the eight Beatitudes, which are teachings of Jesus that outline the attitudes and behaviors that lead to true happiness.
- Nine Ladies Dancing: Symbolize the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
- Ten Lords a-Leaping: Represent the ten commandments, which are fundamental laws given to guide moral behavior.
- Eleven Pipers Piping: Symbolize the eleven faithful apostles, who spread the teachings of Jesus after His resurrection.
- Twelve Drummers Drumming: Represent the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed, summarizing the core beliefs of the Christian faith.
One trivia question that we often hear during this time is“How many gifts are in the Twelve Days of Christmas?” My mother would always answer “364, one for every day of the year with Jesus being born on Christmas as the first gift.” This song reminds us that it is not just about doing good for one day of the year but it should be for the 365 days of the year.
In 2025, we celebrated a year of Mercy and Bishop Parkes asked all of us to do Corporal Works of Mercy as part of a diocesan-wide campaign. Perhaps we should each adapt this song to doing acts of Mercy. “On the first day my act of mercy was to ….”
Be creative in writing your own song of mercy based upon your acts that you have done this past year of what you plan to do next year.
Happy Advent! (Christmas, you have to wait a few more weeks)
Peace and All Good,
Fr. Mike
