December 25th to January 5th
Although Advent ends on Christmas Day, our celebration continues with Christmastide. Christmastide is from Christmas to the day before Epiphany on January 6th. Epiphany is the day we remember the Wise Men arriving to honor Jesus. Jesus is older than a baby when the Wise Men visit His family. Matthew 2:1-18 recounts the whole story. Epiphany is based on verses 10-11.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11
Jesus’ family lived in a house when the Wise Men arrived. They do not arrive when Jesus is in the manger. The Wise Men recognized His greatness and fell down to worship Him. They brought three gifts. We should not assume there were only three Wise Men. The Scriptures say they brought three specific gifts. Gold is for Jesus’ royalty; He is our High King. Frankincense is a type of incense because He is our High Priest. Myrrh is a spice used for anointing and embalming that reminds us of His ultimate sacrifice, death, and resurrection.
Advent reminds us of Christ’s birth and Second Coming. While Christmas reminds us of Christ’s birth, Christmastide and Epiphany remind us of the facts of our faith.
December 25th to January 5th
Sharing facts about our faith with our kids is vital. Moving every few years can make getting kids involved in a church program challenging. We love to use traditions to help remind us of God and His love for us.
When my kids went to AWANA, we all learned all the books. We practiced the books of the New Testament as we drove. The Old Testament was more complicated, but we practiced going to and from soccer and dance. In fact, to this day, I still sing the song to find books in the Old Testament. King David used songs to remind people of God’s attributes. Learning essential facts and traditions can be fun if you use a song.
The Bible is full of stories and symbols that remind us of the foundation of our faith. Before believers owned a copy of the Bible, many parents taught their faith to their children through songs.
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” can help children learn about the Christian faith. This song is supposed to start on the day after Christmas Day.
The song starts with “On the First Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: A Partridge in a Pear Tree.” This represents Jesus and the tree on which He died.
Two Turtle doves represent the two parts of the Bible–the Old and New Testaments. Doves also remind us of God’s love for us.
The third day features three French Hens, representing Faith, Hope, and Love and reminding us of the Trinity.
The fourth day is marked by four calling Birds. These birds remind us of the four Gospels proclaiming the love of God.
Five golden rings represent the first five books of the Bible. The Torah is the foundation of the Bible.
Six geese a-laying on day six reminds us of the six days of the creation story.
Seven swans a-swimming remind us of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit—prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion.
On the eighth day, we sing about maids-a-milking. These were the female servants who milked the livestock. These remind us of those God blesses according to the Beatitudes–the poor in Spirit
, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
Nine ladies dancing represent the fruit of the Spirit: joy, love, peace, kindness, patience, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.
Ten Lords a-leaping brings in the tenth day, reminding us of the Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping remind us of the disciples. After Judas betrayed Jesus, he committed suicide. Later, the eleven apostles chose Matthias to join them.
The twelve drummers drumming point to the Apostle’s Creed.
Apostle’s Creed
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell. On the third day, he rose again.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.”
The Apostle’s Creed has twelve points of doctrine. Our foundation starts with the Trinity, then Christ’s suffering, sacrifice, and resurrection. We are part of the universal Church of Believers and believe in the forgiveness of sins, resurrection, and eternal life.
The Twelve Days of Christmas can remind us of our faith. Although Advent ends on Christmas Day, Christmastide continues until January 5th, the day before Epiphany.
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Call Signs: How Knowing God’s Character Empowers Women to Accomplish His Mission https://a.co/gKpqQmQ
He Is Jehovah: How Knowing the Names of God Encourages Women To Share His Faithfulness
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