The Real Meaning Behind ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’

So we've all heard the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'. We've sung the song as well. In fact, I'm singing a version of the song called, 'The 12 Stress Days of Christmas' at our Christmas Eve Eve service on December 23rd. Have you ever wondered what the 12 days stand for?  Well, wonder no longer my friend!

1 Partridge in a Pear Tree: Jesus Christ

2 Turtle Doves: The Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens: Faith, Hope and Charity --The 3 Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds: The 4 Gospels and/or the 4 Evangelists

5 Golden Rings: The first 5 Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which relays the history of man's fall from grace.

6 Geese A-laying: The 6 days of Creation

7 Swans A-swimming: The 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit

8 Maids A-milking: The 8 Beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing: The 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping: The 10 Commandments

11 Pipers Piping: The 11 Faithful Apostles

12 Drummers Drumming: The 12 points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed.

Some argue whether or not this is really the reason for the 12 days. Honestly, it doesn't matter to me if that was the intent. It's an awesome way to remember 12 different things that are offered to us through the Bible.

Worse comes to worse, it's still a neat song. Merry Christmas ya'll!