My true love gave to me...

I have always dreaded singing the 12 days of Christmas as a child. It was too long and you could not just sing it strait through. Over and Over and Ovveeeerrr until you finally sang all of them. Whew.

Then when I was older, Angelique and I ,  referred to ourselves as the two turtle doves.

(We are born in December ..and if you count back from Christmas....oh well you get it.)

Then, not to long ago I found the true meaning of the song.

Duhhhhh... I consider my self intelligent- why did I not see this sooner?

Of course,"my true love gave to me" would be our Lord.

( I mean honestly, what man gives geese ? The five golden rings I can appreciate!! Diamonds would be even better. Lords a leaping =Chippendales?)

So in the spirit of the true meaning of this season I thought I would share with you the true meaning of the 12 days of Christmas......

a.. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.
b.. Two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments.
c.. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
d.. The four calling birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
e.. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
f.. The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
g.. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
h.. The eight maids a milking are the eight beatitudes.
i.. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Ghost: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.
j.. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
k.. Eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful disciples.
l.. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

Wow. I never knew. I appreciate this song so much more now. ( I still believe it is too long.) But when I hear it or have to sing it *sigh* I won't dread it anymore (or as much).

I am forever grateful,"That my true love gave to me..
A partridge in a pear tree.."