The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Twelve

On the twelfth day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me twelve rummers drumming …

The twelve drummers drumming represent the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles 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.
5. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right had 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 (Christian) Church.
9. The communion of saints,
10. The forgiveness of sins,
11. The resurrection of the body,
12. And life everlasting.

And, finally, today we brought our neighbors a round pail decorated like a drum with 12 dipped pretzels (like drumsticks) and candy. When the kids arrived to leave the gift THEY had left a lovely candle center-piece for US! What a fun project this has been!

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Eleven

On the eleventh day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me eleven pipers piping …

The eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Simon the Zealot, Judas bar James. (This list excludes Judas Iscariot.)

Today we gave our neighbors a Bagpiper tin filled with Scottish shortbread cookies. (This one may give us away.)

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Ten

On the tenth day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me ten lords a-leaping …

The ten lords a-leaping represent the Ten Commandments:

1. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. Do not worship idols.
3. Do not take the Lord’s name in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.
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.

Today we gave our neighbors 10 "leaping" toy frogs hidden in a bucket of popcorn.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Nine

On the ninth day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me nine ladies dancing … The nine ladies dancing represent the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22

Today we gave our neighbors a ballet shoe Christmas ornament and a ballet dvd.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Eight

On the eighth day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me eight maids a-milking … The eight maids a-milking represent the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10: 1. Blessed be the poor in spirit. 2. Blessed be those who mourn. 3. Blessed are the meek. 4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. 5. Blessed are the merciful. 6. Blessed are the pure in heart. 7. Blessed are the peacemakers. 8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.

Today we gave our neighbors hot cocoa and minty marshmallows.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Seven

On the seventh day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me seven swans a swimming …

The seven swans a swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading and compassion.

Enjoy reading Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:8-11.

Today we are giving our neighbors seven candy cane swans.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Six

On the sixth day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me six geese a -laying …

The six geese a-laying represent the six days of creation represented in Genesis 1.

Today we gave our neighbors 6 fresh eggs, bacon and Monkey bread for breakfast.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Five

On the fifth day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me five golden rings …

The five golden rings represent the first five books of the Old Testement, the Pentateuch.

“ … the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.” 1 Chronicles 29:18

Today we gave our neighbors 5 Christmas candy rings wrapped in gold tissue paper.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Four

On the fourth day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me four calling birds …

The four calling birds represent the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14

Today we are giving our neighbors 4 white, glittery dove Christmas ornaments.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Three

On the third day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me three French hens …

The three French hens represent FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE!

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

Today we are giving them dish towel set with a sweet hen on the front of each piece.

The Twelve Day of Christmas - Day Two

On the second day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me two turtle doves …

The two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testaments!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

Today we are giving our neighbor a bag of Turtles candy and a bag of Dove chocolates.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day One

For fun we are celebrating the 12 days leading up to Christmas by giving our neighbor a special gift each day. Today is:

On the first day of Christmas my Secret Santa gave to me a partridge in a pear tree …

The partridge represents Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

“And on His robe and on his thigh was written, ‘KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS’!” Revelation 19:16

Expect 11 more days of surprises as we usher in the celebration of the birth of our Savior!

We gave them a bag full of red and green pears!