The Twelve Days of Christmas - Dec 24

Bet you didn't know the Christian origins of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'. Though there is some controversy within the church over this, at the very least I found it interesting.

The original link can be found here.

The First Day of Christmas: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The partridge in question is none other than Jesus Christ.

The Second Day of Christmas: Two Turtledoves

Turtledoves were used as animal sacrifices for the Jewish Temple. They represent the Old and New Testaments.

The Third Day of Christmas: Three French Hens

The three virtues of faith, hope and love (1 Cor 13:13)

The Fourth Day of Christmas: Four Calling Birds

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the four gospels of the NT.

The Fifth Day of Christmas: Five Gold Rings

From the New Testament back to the Old, these are the first five books of the Bible, also referred to as the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

The Sixth Day of Christmas: Six Geese A-laying

The first six days of Creation. (Gen 1)

The Seventh Day of Christmas: Seven Swans A-swimming

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion (Romans 12:6-8)

The Eighth Day of Christmas: Eight Maids A-milking

The eight beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)

The Ninth Day of Christmas: Nine Ladies Dancing

The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

The Tenth Day of Christmas: Ten Lords A-leaping

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17)

The Eleventh Day of Christmas: Eleven Pipers Piping

The eleven faithful apostles who loved Jesus.

The Twelveth Day of Christmas: Twelve Drummers Drumming

These are the twelve points of doctrine found in the Apostles Creed.

Hope that enlightens you some. Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Johnny Cash