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Merry 12th Day of Christmas
Merry 12th Day of Christmas As we close out these Merry 12 Days of Christmas, my thoughts turn to some of the Christmas celebrations of years gone by. I recall the gatherings of my young childhood when we would attend Christmas Eve Mass at Sacred Heart Mission followed by dinner at our Italian Nana’s house, in Hometown. Nana’s house was decorated so beautifully, with her nativity scene set up in the front bay window. The table would...
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Merry 11th Day of Christmas
Merry 11th Day of Christmas Eleven pipers piping. Making music. This brings to mind another favorite hymn. This one is Here I Am, Lord. The opening lines always grab hold of me when we sing this hymn. Here I am, Lord Is it I, Lord? I have heard You calling in the night I will go, Lord If You lead me I will hold Your people in my heart How often do I say that, offer that...
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Merry 10th Day of Christmas
Merry 10th Day of Christmas Psalm 98 is used in today’s readings. Whenever I read these verses, I think of the joy-filled hymn, Sing a New Song. The refrain and first verse are my favorites: Sing a new song unto the Lord let your song be sung from mountains high Sing a new song unto the Lord, singing alleluia. Yahweh’s people dance for joy. O come before the Lord. And play for him on glad tambourines, and...
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Merry 9th Day of Christmas
Merry 9th Day of Christmas The other day I heard the old Alabama song from 1993 called Angels Among Us.. The lyrics got stuck in my head and I ended up adding the song to my music playlist. The words that make me think of all the angels in my life are these: I believe there are angels among us Sent down to us from somewhere up above They come to you and me in our darkest hours...
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Merry 8th Day of Christmas
Merry 8th Day of Christmas A New Years Day tradition I had with my mom was to attend 9:00am Mass at our church to observe the Solemnity of Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. My mom had a devotion to the Blessed Mother for as long as I could remember. Even though I went to Mass with my mom very often, it was always a special time for me to attend this particular Mass with her each year. This...
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Merry 7th Day of Christmas
Merry 7th Day of Christmas We are already a week into this Christmas season and time does not seem to slow down one bit. It makes me think of when I was a young girl and I would hear my Grandma Lucille talk about how time goes quicker and quicker – and I thought she was a bit nuts and old for believing that. Yet, here I am thinking the same thing. I love how pondering over...
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Merry 6th Day of Christmas
Merry 6th Day of Christmas! This ended up being a very busy day and I nearly missed getting together a post for this Merry 6th Day of Christmas! Our family is preparing for the funeral services of my father-in-law which will be held in the new year. We have been looking through photos, preparing readings and songs, and wading through so many memories of him and all of our other loved ones who have gone to heaven. This...
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Merry 5th Day of Christmas
Merry 5th Day of Christmas This is the time in the Christmas season when I hear many are packing up their Christmas trees and decor. It is only the fifth day of Christmas and there is still a lot to celebrate! Why Five Golden rings on the Fifth Day of Christmas? Five Golden Rings are symbolic of the Pentateuch, the first five Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. Feast of the...
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Merry 4th Day of Christmas
Merry 4th Day of Christmas! This is one of those days that is a mixture of Christmas joy along with reflection on something terrible and destructive. The mixture of the feelings of both joy and terror happening at the same time can be confusing! Why four Calling Birds on the Fourth Day of Christmas? Four Calling Birds represent the four Gospels and Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Feast of the Holy Innocents I think one of...
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Merry 3rd Day of Christmas
Merry 3rd Day of Christmas! When I look at the different Nativity sets I have I think about the Blessed Mother with Joseph as they welcomed the baby Jesus into this world. I think of Mary as she held her new baby knowing he was a precious gift from God given to save all of us. Amazing! The Blessed Mother had an inspiring faith in receiving the gift of Baby Jesus! It makes me consider: how can I...
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Merry 2nd Day of Christmas
Merry 2nd Day of Christmas! Our family tradition – carried on from my mom – is to not put the tree or decor up until about a week before. No lights are lit until Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day we begin the 12 Days of Christmas. We leave everything up to be enjoyed through Epiphany on January 6th. I often leave our decorations up until the end of January With the darkness of this time of year, I...
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Merry 1st Day of Christmas!
Merry 1st Day of Christmas! I have enjoyed sharing the meaning of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” for over a dozen years. It is one of my favorite carols and, like my mom, I have observed the 12 days of Christmas for as long as I can remember. I enjoy the tradition! This year we ended up not finishing our decorating until a few days ago. It has been a rough few months as we have the experienced...
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Epiphany 2024 Observed
Epiphany Observed – Sun. Jan. 7, 2024 I rather like the years when the Christmas season is extended a bit because of how the dates fall. This year, Epiphany was observed by the Catholic churches in our area today, Sunday, January 7, 2024, rather than on January 6th. The image today is a photo I took today at my church, Sacred Heart Mission. For most of the Christmas season, the Wisemen were a bit off to the side...
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Epiphany 2024
Epiphany – Sat. Jan. 6, 2024 And suddenly the star they had seen rising went forward and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11 Holy Light of the Manifestations Today, January...
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Twelve Drummers Drumming
Merry 12th Day of Christmas – Fri. Jan 5, 2024 Today’s meaning for the 12th Day of Christmas reminded me again of my days as a catechist for seventh and eighth graders preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. On the first day of class, I often did a study of the Apostles’ Creed with the students. Most times, the children did not realize it is basically summary of our Catholic faith in twelve points. Those were some fantastic...
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Eleven Pipers Piping
Merry 11th Day of Christmas – Thurs. Jan. 4, 2024 My mom and dad, when they chose to have each of my 5 siblings and me baptized as infants, promised to raise us in the Catholic faith. While my parents did not always agree with everything happening in the Church, I know they did their best to live their lives as a good faith example to their children. Of course, they were not perfect. None of us are...
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Ten Lords a-Leaping
Merry 10th Day of Christmas – Wed. Jan. 3, 2024 See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. (1John 3:1) This verse is from today’s first reading. On a good day it is easy to appreciate that I am a child of God. On a bad day, it is certainly more difficult – especially when dealing with frustrating situations or difficult people. As a child of God, and follower...
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Nine Ladies Dancing
Merry 9th Day of Christmas For many years, my mom gave me and my sisters a subscription to a magazine called Angels on Earth. It is a sweet little periodical that comes out 6 times a year and is filled with stories of everyday people and how their lives have been impacted by angels – either in the form of other people or some kind of angelic or spiritual presence. I still subscribe to this magazine...
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Eight Maids a-Milking
Merry 8th Day of Christmas – Mon. Jan. 1, 2024 Today the Solemnity of Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God is observed in the Catholic Church. This particular feast day is one which I always attended Mass with my mother. It was kind of our thing! The Entrance hymn was Hail Mary, Gentle Woman. This was a personal favorite of my mother’s. We sang it together often through the years. I sang it to her in...
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Seven Swans a-Swimming
Merry 7th Day of Christmas – Sun. Dec. 31, 2023 Time has moved swiftly this past week. Here we are on New Year’s Eve! Many of my friends have packed up their Christmas decorations already – some the day after Christmas! I am glad to continue to enjoy our Christmas tree, nativity and other décor of the season – especially the lights on these long, dark winter nights! Why Seven Swans a-swimming on the 7th Day of Christmas?...
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Six Geese a-Laying
Merry Sixth Day of Christmas! The beauty of God’s creation is amazing and yet I find I often take it for granted. Even in these short days of winter there is beauty to be found if one looks closely. Outside in the morning, I see squirrels at work stashing food for the season; birds hanging out under the awnings chirping their songs (and driving my cats nuts!), and the beautiful Christmas decorations reminding me yet again it is...
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Five Golden Rings
Merry Fifth Day of Christmas! Why Five Golden rings on the Fifth Day of Christmas? Five Golden Rings are symbolic of the Pentateuch, the first five Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. On the occasions when I hear the “12 Days of Christmas” song playing, as soon as it gets to the line of “five golden rings”, I can hear my dad’s voice ring out. That part of the song always reminds me...
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Four Calling Birds
Merry Fourth Day of Christmas! Why 4 Calling Birds on the Fourth Day of Christmas? Four Calling Birds represent the four Gospels and Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Today is also the Feast of the Holy Innocents This feast day has always made me cringe as I think about how King Herod ordered all baby boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas who were aged two years or less killed. He was so fearful when he learned...
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Three French Hens
Merry Third Day of Christmas! Morning coffee by the light of the Christmas tree is so lovely! The quiet of this time gives me an opportunity to reflect on this beautiful Season. Why Three French Hens on the third day of Christmas? The three hens represent the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. These were given from God and poured into our hearts. The three hens are also symbolic of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and...
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Two Turtle Doves
Merry Second Day of Christmas! Even as some are taking down the Christmas tree and other decorations, I will continue to celebrate the season! Why Two Turtle Doves on the second day of Christmas? The two turtle doves represent the two parts of the Bible: Old Testament and New Testament. Two more ideas for the second day of Christmas Sometimes the day after Christmas can feel like a let down. The preparation for The Big Day is done. ...
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A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Merry First Day of Christmas! Since 2012, I have shared the meaning of each of the days from the beloved carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This remains one of my favorite carols. I love the symbolism in the carol….and I simply love the actual twelve days of Christmas. My mom always celebrated the 12 days and I enjoy carrying on that tradition. I have always held off decorating for Christmas until the first week of December. This...
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On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
Why 12 Drummers Drumming on the Twelfth Day of Christmas? The 12 drummers represent the twelve articles of the Apostles’ Creed. Apostles’ Creed (New translation for Catholic Church, effective Nov. 2011) I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead;...
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On the Eleventh Day of Christmas
Why Eleven Pipers Piping on the Eleventh Day of Christmas? The eleven pipers represent the eleven faithful apostles: Simon Peter, James the Great, John, Simon (the Zealot), Jude (a.k.a. Thaddeus), Andrew, James the Less, Matthew, Phillip, Bartholomew, and Thomas. On the Twelfth Day of...
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On the Tenth Day of Christmas
Why Ten Lords a leaping on the Tenth Day of Christmas? The ten lords represent the Ten Commandments. It is always a good time to have a refresher on that list, so here it is: 1. I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before me. 2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 3. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day. 4. Honor thy father and...
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On the Ninth Day of Christmas
Why ladies dancing on the Ninth Day of Christmas? The nine ladies dancing represent the nine choirs of angels. Here they are in ascending order: Angels Archangels Principalities Powers Virtues Dominations Thrones Cherubim Seraphim On the Tenth Day of...
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On the Eighth Day of Christmas
Why maids a-milking on the Eighth Day of Christmas? This is to recall the eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the...
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On the Seventh Day of Christmas
Why Seven Swans a-swimming on the 7th Day of Christmas? Seven Swans a-Swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom Understanding Counsel Fortitude Knowledge Piety Fear of the Lord The seven swans also represent the seven sacraments of the Catholic faith: Baptism Confirmation Holy Eucharist Penance Extreme Unction Holy Orders Matrimony On the Eighth Day of...
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On The Sixth Day of Christmas
Why Six Geese a-laying on the Sixth Day of Christmas? Six Geese a-Laying represent the six days of creation: 1st Day: Creation of light and its separation from darkness 2nd Day: Creation of the firmament and division of the waters 3rd Day: Collection of waters (sea) and formation of dry land (earth); creation of plants according to their own likeness 4th Day: Creation of heavenly bodies in the firmament (sun, moon, and stars)5th Day: Creation of sea creatures...
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On the Fifth Day of Christmas
Why Five Golden rings on the Fifth Day of Christmas? Five Golden Rings are symbolic of the Pentateuch, the first five Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L. Smith On the Sixth Day of...
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On the Fourth Day of Christmas
Why four Calling Birds on the Fourth Day of Christmas? Four Calling Birds represent the four Gospels and Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale On the Fifth Day of...
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On the Third Day of Christmas
Why Three French Hens on the third day of Christmas? The three hens represent the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. These were given from God and poured into our hearts. The three hens are also symbolic of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. On the Fourth Day of Christmas...
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On the Second Day of Christmas
Why Two Turtle Doves on the second day of Christmas? The two doves represent the two parts of the Bible: Old Testament and New Testament. On the Third Day of Christmas...
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On the First Day of Christmas
There is a misconception that the twelve days of Christmas are those days that lead up to December 25. Not true! Today, Christmas Day, is the first day of Christmas! The 12 days go through the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as “Twelfth Day.” In the olden, golden days, the twelve days of Christmas were a period of joyful prayer and a rest from unnecessary labor. Christmas tree lights would be lit and families would gather around...