Christmas carols unwrapped: 12 Days of Christmas

 Recently I have been doing a deep dive into some of the hymns and songs that we sing in church, considering the stories behind them and how they impact our understanding of the song and indeed faith itself. As the season of Christmas approaches (or if you are anything like me, it is well and truly here already!) I thought it would be interesting to do a blog series on some of the songs and carols we sing at Christmas and using their backstories, see what God might teach us anew. 

Our first Christmas song is one that most would never consider a carol about Jesus, but is one with plenty of hidden meanings! If you know me in person, you will know that I am one of those people who can never simply sit still and do nothing, I always have something on the go! So one way in which I have found really useful as I try and switch off is by doing cross stitch. In the last few years I have completed some pretty complicated projects (see the photos below) Currently I am working on a Christmas themed piece based on the 12 days of Christmas. If you know anything about cross stitch you will know that they are started in the middle and you work out to the edges. As I have been sewing I have had a competition with myself to see if I can work out what the ‘day’ is that I am sewing, it’s not been as easy as I thought it would as the song is full of some obscure and confusing things! As I have been looking at this song and the meaning behind it I have found lots of intrigue and secrets! 

The confusion of the song comes right at the beginning with a partridge in a pear tree. Now if you know a lot about birds (which I don't!) then you will know that partridges don’t really fly so what on earth is it doing in a pear tree?!?! Apparently it is to do with the french translation of partridge which is une perdrix (pronounced peredree) so is most likely a case of misheard lyrics! However beyond that is a true love a  true love when you end up with an aviary full of birds, an enormous supply of milk  and the noise of pipes and drums?!?

So what is it all about and what on earth does is mean for me today as we start our approach of Christmas and the birth of Jesus?

It is believed that this seemingly harmless song was actually full of secret messages for the Catholics to whom practising their faith had become dangerous in the midst of the reformation. Each of the days actually represents a key part of the catholic faith. So for example The first day of Christmas is actually Jesus and the partridge is used as it is the only bird that would die in order to protect its young. The six geese are laying represents the the six days God created the world, it shows the world forming (or hatching)  and coming into being. If you have the time, it is well worth a look to see what each of the days represents. 

As I pondered on this I thought about how much the season of Christmas is like this song. Christmas has become so comercialised it is all about the biggest turkey, the most luxurious gifts, matching pyjamas and Christmas eve boxes. People concentrate on the stuff of Christmas and very few consider the true meaning of Christmas. In fact if you asked people what the true meaning of Christmas is you are more likely to get a quote from a Christmas movie like:

“Just remember the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart” (polar express) or

 “He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought...doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps...means a little bit more!” (The Grinch who stole Christmas)

For most people in our world today, the truth about Christmas is as hidden amidst the noise of the season as the true message of the 12 days of Christmas. As christians, each of us have the responsibility to share the true message of Christmas, to be like the start the wise men followed, a light shining in the darkness, a pointer to where the true story lies.

We each need to share with the people around us that Christmas is really about God who loves each of us so very much that he sent his son to this world to be Emmanuel, God with us and through him, a way was made so that all the rubbish we carry in life, and all the times we mess up will be forgiven and we have the absolute joy and privilege to spend eternity in God’s presence. 

So this year, in the busyness and noise, don't let the true meaning of Christmas become a hidden message that only a few can interpret. To borrow another film quote:

"The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear."

Let us sing the true message of Christmas loud and clear this season!