Informal chatter about things going on in the Church.
On Christmas Eve Richard gave a sermon which started with an explanation of the meaning behind the song ‘On the first day of Christmas…’
I had never realised that there was any meaning to this carol and a few others made comments to the same effect after the service, so I asked Richard for a copy of his notes and here they are, for all those interested:
At the time it was written (by 2 Jesuit priests) it was dangerous to be a Catholic in England so this was used as a way of teaching about the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany.
12 Lords a-leaping signifies the 12 beliefs laid out in the Apostles Creed.
11 Pipers piping – the 11 Apostles (Judas having killed himself)
10 Ladies dancing – the 10 coins given to Judas
9 Drummers drumming – for 9 choirs of Angels
8 Maids a milking – 8 Beatitudes
7 Swans a swimming – 7 Sacrements
6 Geese a-laying – 6 Precepts of the Church
5 Gold Rings – the Pentateuch, first five books of the Old Testament
4 Callings Birds – the four gospels
3 French Hens – the three gifts of the Magi
2 Turtle Doves – the Old and New Testaments of the Bible
A partridge in pear tree – the reigning of the Cross