There’s an e-mail that has circulated for years every Christmas. Many of faith feel as if the true meaning of Christmas gets lost in all the hustle and bustle of the current day.

The e-mail states that Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829, when Parliament finally emancipated Catholics in England, were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law – private or public. It was a crime to BE a Catholic.

It also states that “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was written during this time in England as one of the “catechism songs” to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith – as a memory aid.

The songs gifts have hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith.

That was the 16th century – but in 21st century we see those who play “Scrooge” to ridicule and condemn those who want to not only remember, but celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Some have “pooh-poohed” the origins of this religious meaning and the song. They merely debunk this as an “urban myth” out of personal agendas, or have tried to discredit this account in the name of historical accuracy.

While they claim a religious meaning is nothing more fanciful modern day speculation – what is omitted is that there is no “substantive evidence” that will disprove it either.

For us – it’s not about believing what we see - it’s seeing what we believe.

The true “Spirit” of Christmas.

Regardless of the songs true origins, we need to remember why Christians celebrate this holiday with deep roots in Faith and the birth of God’s Son.

Perhaps more important is that today, Christians CAN celebrate their rich heritage, and God’s grace, through one more avenues this Christmas. Hopefully now, when you hear what was once thought as only a secular “nonsense song,” you’ll be reminded of the grace of God working in transforming ways in your own life and in our world.

After all, is that not the TRUE meaning of Christmas anyway?

So here the are: “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with a religious interpretation and meaning that puts “Christ” back into “Christmas”.

1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.
2. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stood for Faith, Hope and Love.
4. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
5. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
7. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit–Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
8. The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit–Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.
10. The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
11. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Disciples.
12. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Merry Christmas!

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We will be spending the Christmas Holiday with family.

Please enjoy this message of Joy, Hope and Peace from The Bauknight Family, to you.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

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