Twelfth Day of Christmas

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me… twelve Drummers Drumming

The twelve drummers drumming represent the twelve points of belief in the Apostles Creed. A creed is a formal statement of Christian beliefs. On Sundays and feast days we say the Nicene Creed at Mass just after the homily, it’s a longer version. The twelve points of doctrine (belief) in the Apostles Creed are,

• I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
• I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
• Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
• Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.
• On the third day Jesus rose again, he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
• Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead.
• I believe in the Holy Spirit.
• I believe in the holy Catholic Church.
• I believe in the communion of Saints.
• I believe in the forgiveness of sins.
• I believe in the resurrection of the body.
• I believe in life everlasting. 

These twelve beliefs are the centre of our Christian lives. It is also the feast of Epiphany today. We celebrate the visit of the three Magi who followed the bright star all the way to baby Jesus to worship and offer him gifts. 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, you led the three Kings to you by the light of a star. Please draw us closer to you by the light of faith so that we may worship and adore you. Amen

To Do 

A Catholic tradition associated with Epiphany is “The Blessing of Chalk and Doorways.” It involves blessing chalk (you can ask your Parish Priest). This is then used to mark the front door of your home with the year (2023) and the initials of three names of the three Magi. Caspar (C), Melchior (M), and Balthasar (B). The crosses represent Christ, and the meaning is “May God bless this house.” 

20+ C + M + B+ 23

By doing this you are offering a prayerful blessing on everyone who lives in the house and on all the people who will visit you in the coming year. Ask your parents to buy some chalk so that you can carry out this special blessing.

So now you know the meanings behind this Christmas song. Next time you sing it remember that it is not just about twelve strange and unusual gifts during the twelve days of Christmas. Rather, it is about twelve gifts of love from God to us, His followers and disciples, the people of His Kingdom, and the Catholic (universal) Church to be treasured all through our lives.  

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