Dear Friends,

On Thursday the majority of Christians celebrated the birth of our blessed Lord Jesus. On the twelfth day of Christmas – January 6 – Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Christians will solemnly commemorate the great feast of the birth and baptism of Christ our God. At one time all of Christendom celebrated Christmas together on January 6. However, in the west in an effort to supplant a very popular pagan feast — Saturnalia — a decision was made to bring the celebration of Jesus’ birth to December 25.

In any case these days the Christian world rejoices in the good news — avedis — of the birth of the Savior, the ultimate sign of God’s infinite love for His creation.

There is a very popular Christmas song, which celebrates the Twelve Days of Christmas (December 25 – January 6). Many of us have sung this song without realizing the inner symbolism of its verses.

From 1568 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. 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 on the Cross. 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.

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
December 28, 2008