On the Twelfth Day of Christmas...

At last, we have arrived at the final day of Christmas. Tomorrow is traditionally known as the Feast of Epiphany, but that is a whole other giddy up. Let’s cap off the symbolism behind the poem-turned-song, The Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Twelve Drummers Drumming. These drummers represent the twelve elements found in the Apostles Creed. It is fars less common within the modern American church for congregations to recite the creeds, as they would typically be recited at each larger gathering. As a refresher, or possibly an introduction for some folks, the creed reads like this":

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Messiah Jesus, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus suffered of Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father. He shall return to judge both the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

This creed is an inviation to remember that we are attached to a long line of people who have chosen to immerse themselves into the goodness and grace of the Divine. Which is also true of what two Catholic priests set out to do with this poem I have have unpacking.

It was written to provide roots to one’s trust in Jesus, which at the time, was being pushed around and persecuted, as were the people attached to it. So as we walk in this new year, may we be reminded of what the season of Christmas is all about… hope in Jesus… the Divine with us. And as you witness to your trust in Jesus, you will likely find people who bristle and even oppose such trust and way of living. And it is at that very moment when the Grace and Peace of Christ is needed most, so as to generously give the love that overcomes all things.

May you choose this year to reclaim your foundation… that which is deepest within… or beginning again, in the beginning. You can discard that which derailed you this past year. Name the death and decay, then dump it. And choose life with the Divine, the One “who is making all things new.”

Grace and Peace to you today, this twelfth and final day of Christmas.