Merry 1st Day of Christmas!

Merry 1st Day of Christmas!

I have enjoyed sharing the meaning of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” for over a dozen years. It is one of my favorite carols and, like my mom, I have observed the 12 days of Christmas for as long as I can remember. I enjoy the tradition!

This year we ended up not finishing our decorating until a few days ago. It has been a rough few months as we have the experienced the loss of two of our oldest pets in October and then last week that of my father-in-law.

Some might use those as reasons to not observe the Christmas season. How can we have joy with so much loss? My joy is found in the hope of the future, the promise the Baby Jesus brings to everyone, shining His light in this dark world.

I am ever glad of the 12 days of Christmas because it gives me a chance to enjoy the season – even as traditions change. Our home will be full of the lights and songs of the season through Epiphany on January 6th. Along the way each day I will find something that sparks some joy and give thanks for the people and blessings in our lives.

On to share some background on the Twelve Days….

There is a misconception that the twelve days of Christmas are those days that lead up to December 25. Not true! Today, Christmas Day, is the first day of Christmas! The 12 days go through the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as “Twelfth Day.”

In the olden, golden days, the twelve days of Christmas were a period of joyful prayer and a rest from unnecessary labor. Christmas tree lights would be lit and families would gather around the manger to share prayers and carols.

Why a partridge in a pear tree?

The pear tree signifies the wood of the manger, and also that of the cross. The fruit reminds us of the reason for the Incarnation: God’s desire to saves us from the sin introduced by Adam and Eve consuming the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. The fruit is also a reminder of the Tree of Life in the midges of the Garden.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
John 1:14

Merry Christmas,
Karen