Stocking Stuffer

It is said that from 1558-1829 Christians couldn’t worship openly so they used this song to pass the message. Match the numbers up for yourself.

You will recognize the song.

1-a partridge in a pear tree = Christ crucified
2-two turtle doves = Old and New Testaments
3- Three French hens = Love Joy and Peace
4-four calling birds = Four Gospels, Mathew, Mark, Luke and John
5-five golden rings = the Pentateuch-first 5 books of the Bible
6-six geese a-laying = God created the earth in 6 days.
7-seven swans a-swimming = Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
8-eight maids-a-milking = eight beatitudes
9- Nine ladies dancing = nine fruit of the Holy Spirit
10-ten lords a-leaping = 10 Ten Commandments
11- Eleven pipers piping = Christ’s eleven faithful disciples
12 -twelve drummers drumming = the twelve points in the Apostle’s Creed

Is this a true story? I have no idea, but it does hopefully help us think of our faith when we sing the song. The one often repeated line is ‘my true love gave to me,’ and I think it represents all of the above good gifts that God has given to us.

That’s a stocking stuffer worth waiting for.

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 and enjoy your good gift of the Christ. Amen.