Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
Seven Swans a-Swimming
Merry 7th Day of Christmas – Sun. Dec. 31, 2023 Time has moved swiftly this past week. Here we are on New Year’s Eve! Many of my friends have packed up their Christmas decorations already – some the day after Christmas! I am glad to continue to enjoy our Christmas tree, nativity and other décor of the season – especially the lights on these long, dark winter nights! Why Seven Swans a-swimming on the 7th Day of Christmas?...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
Six Geese a-Laying
Merry Sixth Day of Christmas! The beauty of God’s creation is amazing and yet I find I often take it for granted. Even in these short days of winter there is beauty to be found if one looks closely. Outside in the morning, I see squirrels at work stashing food for the season; birds hanging out under the awnings chirping their songs (and driving my cats nuts!), and the beautiful Christmas decorations reminding me yet again it is...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
Five Golden Rings
Merry Fifth Day of Christmas! Why Five Golden rings on the Fifth Day of Christmas? Five Golden Rings are symbolic of the Pentateuch, the first five Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. On the occasions when I hear the “12 Days of Christmas” song playing, as soon as it gets to the line of “five golden rings”, I can hear my dad’s voice ring out. That part of the song always reminds me...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
Four Calling Birds
Merry Fourth Day of Christmas! Why 4 Calling Birds on the Fourth Day of Christmas? Four Calling Birds represent the four Gospels and Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Today is also the Feast of the Holy Innocents This feast day has always made me cringe as I think about how King Herod ordered all baby boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas who were aged two years or less killed. He was so fearful when he learned...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
Three French Hens
Merry Third Day of Christmas! Morning coffee by the light of the Christmas tree is so lovely! The quiet of this time gives me an opportunity to reflect on this beautiful Season. Why Three French Hens on the third day of Christmas? The three hens represent the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. These were given from God and poured into our hearts. The three hens are also symbolic of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and...