I always thought “The twelve Days of Christmas” was just a goofy song to sing at Christmas time.  What in the world do leaping lords and swimming swans have to do with Christmas?  Then someone sent me this explanation for the song.

The Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly from 1558 until 1829.  Someone wrote this song to teach biblical truths to the young people of that day in a way that was interesting, but not unlawful.

The partridge in a pear tree represented Jesus Christ.

1. The two turtle doves were the Old and New Testament.
2. Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
3. The four calling birds were the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
4. The five golden rings represented the books of law; the first five books of the Bible.
5. Six geese a laying stood for the six days of creation.
6. Seven swans a swimming was for the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit,Prophesy,Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
7. The eight maids a milking stood for the eight beatitudes, given in Mark chapter five.
8. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruit of the Holy Spirit; Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self control.
9. Ten lords a leaping were the ten commandments, written in Exodus chapter twenty.
10. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
11. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of the Apostle’s Creed.

I found this to be quite interesting as well as giving the song a whole new meaning for me.  I challenge each of you to remember what each of these gifts represent.  You might be surprised at how it helps you to remember these pillars of our faith.