Monday, December 26, 2022 - THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Monday, December 26, 2022 - Day 360 - THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 22:1-17; Psalm 145; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15)

Several years ago The Lutheran Witness carried an article written by Terence Maher. The title of that article was:

CHRISTMAS ISN’T JUST ONE DAY

The Church’s celebration of Christmas does not begin with December and end on Christmas, with New Year’s Day tacked on the end. In the Western Church, it begins on Christmas and continues until Epiphany. That day—Jan. 6—is when we celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men to worship Jesus. By tradition, these twelve days from Christmas through Epiphany comprise the Twelve Days of Christmas.

THE SONG

What in world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, & especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? 

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. 

DAY ONE

  On the first day of Christmas

  my true love sent to me:

  A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Tradition has it that the partridge is Jesus. This seems fitting to me since Jesus is reason for the Christmas season.

So, the answer to an add that I heard on the radio earlier this week is... we all do! What was the question?  “Who needs that old partridge in a pare tree.” We all need Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem and our dear Savior!

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  (Luke 2:11 ESV)

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to earth to be my Savior. Please bless my continued celebration of You nativity for the next 12 days and beyond. Amen.

Pastor David Paape