"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)
Thursday, December 26, 2024 - Day 360 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Zechariah 1-3; Rev. 17)
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)
THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Since Christmas Day was the first day of Christmas, today is the second day of Christmas.
THE SONG
♬ On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.
Link to the song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qySAkZwLrOA
Why Two Turtle Doves on the second day of Christmas? Some believe that the two doves represent the two parts of the Bible: Old Testament and New Testament. The Partridge in a Pear Tree represents Jesus, which is why this is part of each of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
From Old Testament to New Testament, the Gospel is the message that predominates throughout the Bible. Thus the Bible is Gospel-centered, focusing on the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus and the salvation of all and any who trust in Him.
Almighty God, I thank You for revealing Yourself to the world in both parts of the Bible, the Old and New Testaments. What blessings You have given sinners like me in the love of Jesus that comes to us from His cross! Be with me and guide me today, in the name of my God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have a blessed Second Day of Christmas!
Pastor David Paape
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