Today is the first Day of Christmas! Actually, the early church recognized 12 days of the Christmas season from Christmas Day (December 25) to Epiphany (January 5). The Greek Orthodox church had slightly different dates, but the concept was the same. During the 16th century there were some ugly holy wars going on in England between the Roman Catholic Church and its rival, the Episcopal Church. During that time many Christians had to go underground with their faith.
The song we know today as The Twelve Days of Christmas was an attempt to get children to learn scriptural concepts without exposing their faith. Or, an underground song with hidden meaning. Each day we’ll examine another verse in this song.
Day One: “On the first day of Christmas my True Love sent to me: A Partridge in a Pear Tree“. God is our True Love. He sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus was born on Christmas Day. He was like a valued partridge in a tree bearing fruit.
No greater gift has ever been given but one that sacrifices Himself for us. Let’s celebrate Jesus’ birth this Christmas.
Tags: Christmas, incarnation, love
At dinner one evening Tommy misbehaved. His father, always the strict disciplinarian, reprimanded him saying, “Tommy, if you do not behave you will be sent to your room!” Tommy did not pay attention. Ordered from the room he heard his father’s last words, “And there will be no more food for you tonight!”
Later, in bed, Tommy’s thoughts of his behavior began to bother him. He was hungry. He couldn’t remember ever having felt more alone or alienated. He began to cry. Then he heard a noise on the stairs. Footsteps came closer to his room. His door opened and his father came in. Closing the door he came over to Tommy’s bed and said, “I love you, son, and I’ve come to spend the night with you.”
Now, isn’t that a great illustration of what Christmas is all about? God coming to spend the night with us.
Tags: Christmas, incarnation
There was a small voice that penetrated the stillness of the night. It came from the bedroom across the hall. “Daddy, I’m scared!” Out of his groggy, fuzzy state, the father responded with, “Honey, don’t be afraid, Daddy’s right across the hall.”
After a very brief pause the little voice was heard again, “I’m still scared.” Always quick with an insight, Dad responded, “You don’t need to be afraid. God is with you. God loves you.” This time the pause is longer…but the voice returned, “I don’t care about God, Daddy. I want someone with skin!”
Perhaps the logic of the little boy is exactly the reason God saw the necessity of sending His Son with skin on; so we could relate to God on our terms. So we could see God’s care right before our eyes. And so He could understand what we feel, as well. That’s the Incarnation: Someone with skin on.
Tags: Christmas, incarnation