What Christmas Figure Am I?

What a marvelous person! James, you are the splendid
Christmas tree! You are a spirited person who
almost always in a great mood. Your smiles and
laughter are some things that people usually
look forward to in you. You are someone who is
full of energy and ready for a good time. Most
likely you are a social butterfly. All of these
characteristics make you a beautiful person
inside and out. People just really enjoy to be
around you. Merry Christmas =)


What Christmas Figure Are You?
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The Twelve Days of Christmas

I thought you all might like this........spread it around.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Dennis Bratcher

The Twelve Days of Christmas are probably the most misunderstood part of the church year among Christians who are not part of liturgical church traditions. Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas, but in the Western Church are the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th).

The origin of the Twelve Days is complicated, and is related to differences in calendars, church traditions, and ways to observe this holy day in various cultures (see Christmas ). In the Western church, Epiphany is traditionally celebrated as the time the three Wise Men or Magi arrived to present gifts to the young Jesus (Matt. 2:1-12). In some cultures, especially Hispanic and Latin American culture, January 6th is observed as Three Kings Day, or simply the Day of the Kings (Span: la Fiesta de Reyes, el Dia de los Tres Reyes, or el Dia de los Reyes Magos; Dutch: Driekoningendag). Even though December 25th is celebrated as Christmas in these cultures, January 6th is often the day for giving gifts. In some places it is traditional to give Christmas gifts for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Since Eastern Orthodox traditions use a different religious calendar, they celebrate Christmas on January 7th and observe Epiphany or Theophany on January 19th.

By the 16th century, some European and Scandinavian cultures had combined the Twelve Days of Christmas with (sometimes pagan) festivals celebrating the changing of the year. These were usually associated with driving away evil spirits for the start of the new year.

The Twelfth Night is January 5th, the last last day of the Christmas Season before Epiphany (January 6th), and often included feasting along with the removal of Christmas decorations. French and English celebrations of Twelfth Night included a King's Cake, remembering the visit of the Three Magi, and ale or wine (a King's Cake is part of the observance of Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture of the Southern USA). In some cultures, the King's Cake was part of the celebration of the day of Epi phany .

The popular song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is usually seen as simply a nonsense song for children. However, some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters. The "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the "days" represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn.

However, many have questioned the historical accuracy of this origin of the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. It seems that some have made an issue out of trying to debunk this as an "urban myth," some in the name of historical accuracy and some out of personal agendas. There is little "hard" evidence available either way. Some church historians affirm this account as basically accurate, while others point out apparent historical discrepancies. However, the "evidence" on both sides is mostly in logical deduction and probabilities. One internet site devoted to debunking hoaxes and legends says that, "there is no substantive evidence to demonstrate that the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' was created or used as a secret means of preserving tenets of the Catholic faith, or that this claim is anything but a fanciful modern day speculation ..." What is omitted is that there is no "substantive evidence" that will disprove it either.

It is certainly possible that this view of the song is legendary or anecdotal. Without corroboration and in the absence of "substantive evidence," we probably should not take rigid positions on either side and turn the song into a crusade for personal opinions. That would do more to violate the spirit of Christmas than the song is worth. So, for the sake of historical accuracy, we need to acknowledge this uncertainty.

However, on another level, this uncertainty should not prevent us from using the song in celebration of Christmas. Many of the symbols of Christianity were not originally religious, including even the present date of Christmas, but were appropriated from contemporary culture by the Christian Faith as vehicles of worship and proclamation. Perhaps, when all is said and done, historical accuracy is not really the point. Perhaps more importantly is that Christians can celebrate their rich heritage, and God's grace, through one more avenue this Christmas. Now, when they hear what they once thought was a secular "nonsense song," they will be reminded in one more way of the grace of God working in transforming ways in their lives and in our world. After all, is that not the meaning of Christmas anyway?



On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Two Turtle Doves
The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Three French Hens
The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Four Calling Birds
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Five Gold Rings
The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Six Geese A-laying
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Seven Swans A-swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eight Maids A-milking
The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...



Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Ten Lords A-leaping
The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...



Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the Romans.

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Twelve Drummers Drumming
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

Count it as joy???

James 1:2-4

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Oh dear........this is what we hate to hear. Joy, in trials......knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience? Do we know that? Well, I have to tell you........for me the answer is: Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. Hehehehe. Sometimes I remember that, and sometimes I don't. There are times I don't even want to THINK about it. I just want to wallow in my own self pity and "woe is me" time that I don't want to be reminded that even though this is painful, God will work it out for my good. Just see Romans 8:28 for confirmation on that. With what we go through we will either soften or harden. It will either humble us more or we'll become more stubborn. It's really up to us. Nothing worth having is ever just handed to you anyway. I believe if we spent less time complaining about what we don't have, and start thanking God for all the wonderful things we do have (not the least of which is our health) we'd be way better off. We are the most unthankful people in the world. Here we have the right (not for long if the ACLU gets their way) to assemble and tell folks about Jesus, or just sing songs to the Lord in any public forum without the possibility of being arrested. And do we? Usually not. We've become lazy, whining, selfish, complaining, do nothings who expect it all, but give nothing. And if we do give anything to the kingdom of God, we complain about that too or want it on the evening news for everyone to see. OK, have I stepped on any toes yet? I hope so. I admit I've been all those things I listed above, and more. It's time for a change. It's time for us all to be more thankful, more helpful, more giving. Let's ask God each day for the opportunity to be a blessing to someone. Let's not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now we shouldn't be rude, but we also shouldn't be hiding our light under a basket either. There is a HUGE movement in our country to make everything secular. Mainly the move is keep Jesus out of things. Anything else goes, just not Jesus. The ACLU will spend millions of dollars defending NAMBLA (the national man boy love association) which on it's website showed pedafiles how to abduct, rape, and either murder or release preteen victims and how to avoid getting caught.......but they won't defend a Christian child's right to read the bible at recess. We need to quit being wimps and stand for what we believe. If we don't, who will? Get to know how to use your sword. That's the bible folks. Read it, study it, believe it, and then live it. Apply God's word to every situation you encounter in your life.......to every trial. The forces of evil don't take a day off........they don't stop, they keep coming every day. They want you to be complacent in your walk with Jesus......."sure go to church, but don't pray". Or, "Sure, go to church, but don't read the bible everyday. You read it in church." The enemy will throw thoughts at you to discourage you, to make you doubt. Just like he did to Eve. He's still doing the same thing. "Did God surely say.....???" If you don't know your bible, he'll fool you every time.

I know today's message was a bit of a spanking. But we need that every once in a while. We, the body of Christ, are a sleeping giant. If we were to ever become completely united under the banner of Jesus.......there would be no limit to the miracles we'd see daily. Have a wonderful day and a blessed weekend. :-) PJ

The Gospel

Matthew 20:29-34

Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. 30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”
31 Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”
32 So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
33 They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” 34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

In the days when Jesus walked the earth the Jewish custom was for a blind person to wear a garment that showed everyone that he/she was blind. Today they have the white cane with the red part at the bottom.......then they had this garment. When these fellows were hollering at the top of their lungs for Jesus to have mercy on them, He knew exactly what they needed and what they wanted. Not by their garments, but because Jesus knows all. I'm sure the folks around knew what they wanted based upon what they were wearing, but of course they couldn't know for sure what they wanted. But Jesus did. But rather than reach out and just heal them, He asked them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They answered, "That our eyes may be opened." Then we see He had compassion on them and healed them. Well folks........there's a great lesson here. Even though Jesus knows exactly what we want, we must ask the Father directly, in Jesus name for what we need and want. I think we could all stand to have our eyes opened, don't you? Tonight before you go to bed, ask the Lord to open your eyes.........your spiritual eyes to those around you.......those who are in need......those who are searching for answers. All the world is searching for the truth........and you know Him (Jesus, the Truth...John 14:6) personally. I asked the youth the other day, "If I were curious and met you one day and asked you, 'How do I become a Christian?', what would you answer?" Now I must ask you.......what would you answer? We need to know what we believe, and why we believe it. If we don't know what we believe or why we believe it.......what makes us think others will? Also, I asked, "What is the Gospel?" Now I ask you the same. Let me give you the simplest of answers for these questions.......and they directly biblical. How does one become a Christian? Romans 10:8-10. Believe in your heart on the Lord Jesus, and confess with your mouth that belief. What is the Gospel? The plain truth is: Jesus born of a virgin, lived a perfect life without sin, died on the cross for my sins, and arose from the dead on the third day. Notice I said "my sins" because it has to be personal. That's the Gospel. Everything else is secondary. Many religious things have blurred our vision of the simplicity of God's plan. I don't get to heaven because I do more good than bad. I don't get there by living a holy life, although those things are important.........they are, in a word.........secondary. I KNOW I'm going to heaven because Jesus died for my sins and they are not only gone, but forgotten. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee glory!!! Is there any better news than that? Have a great day and God bless. :-) PJ

No Paybacks

1 Thessalonians 5:13-22

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

OK......honesty time here.......hehehehe. I used to have a HUGE problem with verse 12. I still had trouble submitting to authority. It wasn't my favorite thing to do, and there are many like that. I'm much better in that regard, but it took a whole lot for me to arrive where I am now. The Lord really had to humble me quite a bit. Whether I agree with what I see going on above me or not......it's not my place to question, judge, or talk about it with anyone else. If I feel someone above me is in error (not that I do, but if I did)......I must pray for them. I don't really have any trouble with the other verses until we get to "be patient with all." OK, that I have a problem with..........yea, even today. I wish I could tell you I had oatmeal going through my veins.........that nothing concerned me....and that I was perfect in that area. Well that would untrue. I'm getting more patient, but I'm nowhere near being patient with "all". Someone recently shot a hole through my car...........and the Lord says "vengeance is Mine." But I have to admit, in that situation I kind of wanted to give Him a hand in that area. Hehehehe. I'm getting better at giving thanks no matter what. Boy that was a hard one too. The others, I'm good with. I must admit I don't pray without ceasing but I'm beginning to understand more and more what that's all about.

It's easy to do, and I know because I've done it...........to let your feelings reign your heart rather than the Holy Spirit. Recently I've seen my own past shortcomings in the actions of others. I didn't see it when I was doing it, but I see it clearly now. All I can do is pray and believe that they too will soon see the error of their ways. As an example.....I've seen first hand what happens when one talks against a servant of God. It's not a pleasant place to be in. It's an easy trap to fall into. We also have to realize that we're not all the same. Some have an anointing in one area, and others in another. Remember the whole, "the foot can't be a hand thing" we've talked about before? An evangelist can't expect to have the same anointing as an apostle, a prophet, a pastor, or a teacher. He can't all of a sudden question why this one can do that, and the other can do something else. It's not his place to question, nor is it mine, as a pastor to question the way the Lord uses any of the others. It shows a lack of maturity in the Lord and a lack of respect for the office that they hold. I admit I was very immature recently and did some very immature things. I can't speak for anyone else, only myself. My uncle (who is my spiritual father so to speak) has taught me that the five fold ministry is likened to a hand. I'll try and recall all the fingers as they appear. I know that the prophet is the index finger (he points out to us what we really don't want anyone to know), evangelist is the middle finger (it is the longest finger and reaches out more to the lost than do the others), the pastor is the ring finger (as he loves the sheep and has a covenant with them and with the Lord to care for them), the little finger is the teacher (and truth be known that's the finger we dig in our ears with.......hehehehe....and the teacher digs up the good information out of the bible by using Hebrew and Greek dictionaries but mainly his anointing as a teacher to dig out splendid truths out of the Word of God), and the apostle is the thumb (as he keeps them all in line and all together....and keeps them on the main foundation which is Christ Jesus). If even one of those decides to step out of line the hand is deformed. Try picking up something without using your thumb. How about using a fork without your index finger? Now I must say that the apostle can operate in any or all of the other four offices of ministry. Every part of that five fold ministry is important, although some are more necessary than others. Without a thumb, the apostle, a ministry will stray from the foundational teaching of Jesus Christ. The Gospel will be muddied and not as important to them as other things. Religion will reign and Jesus will only be brought out at Christmastime and Easter........if then. The same can be said for the lack of a prophet and evangelist. A good pastor is very necessary, but if he's all you have you're missing some good stuff.........necessary folks anointed and appointed by God to further equip the saints of God in their walk with Jesus Christ. Have a great day and God bless. :-) PJ