New Perspective for Christmas and 2003
by April Shenandoah, Columnist
December 20, 2002
My heart will not bend to corrupt world affairs or the socialist propaganda
that we are now living under this Holy season. My prayer is that those who are
messengers of truth will relax their minds and be refreshed, asking God for
the direction that we are all to follow in 2003. Most of us are "preaching to
the choir." It is time to be creative and put our like-minds together so that
we may be more affective in getting our "message" out.
For a change of pace, let me share this scenario on the Twelve Days of Christmas. If anyone knows about this I would like to have more information on how factual it is. Meanwhile, enjoy this traditional Christmas Carol from a new perspective.
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles' Creed.
Merry Christmas! May we continue to "fight the good fight" with the peace of Jesus in our hearts. ***
© 2002 April Shenandoah
April Shenandoah's Internet home is: http://www.politicsandreligion.tv
COPYRIGHT © 2002 BY THE AMERICAN PARTISAN. All writers retain rights to their work.