Secret Codes

There was a day when Christians had to speak in code. Here is one example.

Hint: What do these all have in common?

1. a partridge in a pear tree
2. two turtle doves
3. three French hens
4. four calling birds
5. five golden rings
6. six geese a-laying
7. seven swans a-swimming
8. eight maids a-milking
9. nine ladies dancing
10. ten lords a-leaping
11. eleven pipers piping
12. twelve drummers drumming

Ah you say, it’s the 12 Days of Christmas song! Yes it is, but it is said that from 1558 – 1829 Catholics couldn’t worship openly so they used this song to pass the message. Match the numbers up for yourself.

1. Christ crucified
2. Old and New Testaments
3. Three abiding gifts of the Holy Spirit
4. The four Gospels
5. First five books of the Bible
6. Six days of creation
7. Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
8. Eight beatitudes
9. Nine fruit of the Holy Spirit
10. Ten Commandments
11. Eleven faithful disciples
12. Twelve points in apostles creed

The repeated line, ‘my true love gave to me,’ represents God who gives the gifts to me/you.

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:7, NIV)

Prayer – Thank you, God, for the freedom we now have to speak of your love. Amen