First Day of Christmas

The 12 Days of Christmas refers to the time between Christmas Day and the Feast of Epiphany. Epiphany is traditionally the time when the arrival of the Magi at the manger is celebrated. Lectionary readings during the season of Epiphany focus on the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.

There are some who claim that the Christmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” refers to symbols of the Christian faith. That may or may not be completely factual, but in this series of Christmas mediations, I’d like to explore the tenets of faith that could actually be represented by the verses of the carol. Even if they aren’t, it doesn’t hurt to take a close look at what we believe—at least once a year.

Let’s first consider the idea that “My true love” refers to God and “me” is every baptized person in the church. How marvelous to be reminded at Christmas that our God is passionately in love with each of us. God loves you and me, no matter how we may fall short of perfection in our own eyes (and certainly in comparison to the Almighty Creator).

As we work through the 12 days, keep in mind that the Love of God is the reason for our life and our salvation. Christ became incarnate in order to reconcile the sinful world to the sinless One.

Now, on to the song: On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree.

What might this verse be referring to? The pear tree could be a reminder of the wood that formed the manger in which the Infant was laid. It is possible that the manger was actually a stone trough, but there are other trees in the history of our relationship with God, too. At the very beginning, the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil caused the rift in the relationship between Creator and the creation. Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden so they wouldn’t eat of the Tree of Life and live forever in separation from God. The Cross is often referred to as a Tree as well. It was on that Tree that our relationship with God was reestablished.

Who do you think the Partridge is? Who but Jesus, the Infant Redeemer? A partridge is related to the pheasant, but is smaller and more subdued in coloring. Interestingly, a chicken is also of the same family of birds.

To me this brings to mind, Jesus’ lament before his entry into Jerusalem (Mt. 23 and Lk. 13): "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you, desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

I have always thought was a lovely image, being gathered into safety from the storm under the wings of the mother bird. God is with us to protect us from the storms of life. Too often we are too busy insisting that we don’t need protection or help, esp. from God. Sometimes we end up rushing around fearfully because we don’t want to be helped or feel we aren’t worthy. All the time, God wants to gather us close because we are precious to God. So precious, in fact that He was willing to become human and die to bring us back into right relationship as a righteous people.

How does it make you feel to think about a God who wants to gather you close?

Come back tomorrow and see what the 2nd day has in store.