Very Merry 9th Day of Christmas

Merry 9th Day of Christmas 

January 2nd brings us to the Ninth Day of Christmas and with it there are, to me, several meanings in today’s celebration.  

First, when I look at the Nine ladies dancing I am reminded of the joy and laughter my parents had when they danced. They were a graceful pair of dancers at weddings, parties and many other events. It was at home, however, that I saw them dance the most. Back in the days of loading a stack of records on the old turntable, with classic tunes from Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, the big bands and country music providing inspiration, my folks would dance with one another and with all of us kids. Sometimes we would all be so excited that the living room floor would shake a bit, causing the needle on the record player to skip! 😊 

Second, the nine ladies represent the nine fruits or virtues of the Holy Spirit, as told by St. Paul in Galatians 5:22-23: …the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control… 

The fruits of the Holy Spirit are visible signs of how God works in each of us. They affect our innermost life, all our relationships and our character. How are we using these gifts in our thoughts and interactions with others?

Finally, the meaning on this day in the Christmas season is about angels, with the nine ladies dancing representing the nine choirs of angels. Here they are in ascending order: 

Angels, Archangels, Principalities, Powers, Virtues, Dominations, Thrones, Cherubim and Seraphim.  

How can we connect these three meanings today? 

Dancers must be disciplined and graceful. They must be in tune with the music and those around them. If we live with the gifts of the Spirit flowing through us, we move with a spiritual grace. Just as my parents dancing together showed our family how to dance with a partner, when we move with spiritual grace our lives are rather like a harmonious and joyful dance, reflecting Christ’s light to everyone we encounter. In this way, we can also be like angels to those we meet.  

May our hearts move in rhythm with the Holy Spirit today and every day, bringing a measure of joy and peace to those we meet. 

Merry Christmas, 
Karen 

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