The Twelve Days of Christmas

 Source

It's still Christmas at our house!

In our tradition, the liturgical calendar marks the twelve days of Christmas beginning on December 25th and ending on January 5th.  Christmas is a season for us -- beginning the day we celebrate our Lord's birth and ending when the three kings arrive at His birthplace when we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. 

The "deeper meaning" of the song The Twelve Days of Christmas is a myth which has been propagated since the mid 1980s.  There is no evidence that its origins were from the  16th century split by the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church.  For a time, it was a crime to be Roman Catholic in England.  During that interval, it was thought that this song was used as a way to teach young Roman Catholic children the catechism.  Truth be told, there is no scholarly evidence to support this myth as fact.

Anyway, here are what the 12 gifts were thought to symbolize:

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments

Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
 
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit - Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

A meaningful story perhaps but nothing factual to back it up but I still like it!

I'm linking to The Nativity Carnival hosted by Kerry, A Ten O'Clock Scholar

Different Dream Parenting by Jolene Philo

As you may recall, I have a passion for ministry alongside those with special needs.  As part of my research into this ministry, I have acquired quite the library.  Early on, I read Jolene Philo's book, A Different Dream for My Child  -  Meditations for Parents of Critically or Chronically Ill Children.  I was amazed by the attention to detail in the recollections of the author and those who generously contributed their stories.  Each chapter is short (important to those in crisis with short attention spans), introduced by Scriptural references and closes with prayer.  This  book which offers insights and practical advice as well as comfort for those in the early stages of their journey with a child with special needs.

Recently, I was given a copy of Jolene's new book, Different Dream Parenting - A Practical Guide to Raising a Child with Special Needs. Every parent of a child with special needs should read this book!

This book offers advice and insights from the time diagnosis through young adulthood.  Different Dream Parenting shows us how to walk with God as we deal with the diagnosis, parenting the chronically/critically ill child, marriage and family life, dealing with extended family, working with healthcare professionals, managing the school years, emotional sequelae to multiple, serious procedures, planning the future of the child with special needs...and even the death of a child.

As the parent of two children with significant special needs, I know that many times along the journey I did not know what I needed -- and was often confused as to what might be in the best interest of my child.

Have you ever been so tired,  lost and confused that you didn't have the energy or know what to pray?  Different Dream Parenting offers spiritual comfort and practical, important ways to pray.- with prayers sprinkled throughout the book and seven prayer guides in the appendix.


I think my favorite part of the book deals with dispelling and defeating guilt - an almost universal condition after a diagnosis that indicates a child with have special life-long needs whether they be physical, emotional or intellectual.

"Believing God has a purpose for you and your child on this special needs journey is another way to combat guilt.  In Exodus 4:11, God says, 'And who do you think made the human mouth?  And who makes some mute, some deaf, some sighted, some blind?  Isn't it I, God?'

"According to Exodus 4:11, God created your child with a special need.  Therefore, He has a reason for it.  Maybe He's already revealed what it is.  Maybe He's given you only the faintest inkling.  Maybe you're still waiting for His purpose to be revealed. But your weapon against guilt isn't how much you understand about God's purpose.  Your weapon is a rock hard belief that He has a divine purpose your you child, whether or not you understand what it is."

Though there is no guide to living with a child with special needs that will address all the intricacies that come with the diagnosis and life with a child with special needs, Jolene's book sheds much light on the journey whether you are in crisis or in a more stable place on the journey.  Different Dream Parenting is a practical, thoughtful and insightful guide which offers much food for thought.   As one who has traveled the path dealing with children with special needs for a very long time, I recognize this book for the gem it is - a must read for the journey!

Jolene blogs at Different Dream for My Child where you can find out more about her books.

Christmas - Emmanuel - God With Us

Almighty God,

You have made this night holy but the gift of your son,

born of the Holy Spirit and of Mary.

Upon him rested all your grace,

through him has come all your mercy.

Let His light shine within our hearts tonight

and even more brightly than is shines 

from the candles in this place.

Help us to hear your word

and to celebrate your everlasting love through him.

Amen

(Author Unknown)

The Nativity in Movies

Need an escape from the hustle and bustle?  Take some time to watch The Nativity in Movies! 

This film is a compilation of nine films from 1905 - 2006 depicting the portrayal of the birth of Christ.   Though this compilation primarily revolves around The Nativity Story (2006) starring Keisha Castle-Hughes and Oscar Isaac, pivotal points are emphasized by older versions of the story in film.  It is set to contemporary music with a wonderful balance between the dialog and music. 

Here are some fun facts about The Nativity Story

I know it is hard to find the time  (a little over and hour long) this time of year but the film is so worthwhile as we remember the Reason for the season!