The 12 Days of Christmas

     Today, listening to the wonderful podcast that I follow, called "United States Grace Force" with Doug Barry and Father Heilman, they had guest speaker, Father Chris Alar, a most knowledgeable and Holy priest. Father Alar proceeded to explain the real meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas. They go like this: 

     12th day- the 12 points of Faith in the Apostles Creed 

     11th day- 11 Faithful disciples 

     10th day- the Ten Commandments 

      9th day -nine fruits of the Spirit 

      8th Day- the Beatitudes 

      7th day- Seven Sacraments 

      6th day- 6 days of Creation 

      5th day -Five books of the Old Testament 

      4th day- Four Gospels 

      3rd day-the Blessed Trinity 

      2nd day -2 Testaments. The Old and the New 

      1rst day- Jesus on the Tree of Sacrifice 

    Father Alar goes on to explain the true origin of the Christmas tree. Referring back to Saint Boniface, who lived in the time of pagans and their rituals. One being human sacrifice at an old oak tree to the god of Thor. Boniface cut the tree down and the pagans saw that their god did nothing in retaliation. Boniface built a Chapel on the spot of the cut down tree and the pagans hearts were opened. Coming to St Boniface, asking him what they could do to honor his God and Christmas. He told them to take little fir trees and honor Christmas with these little symbols as trees of life. Because Jesus is the Tree of Life. They started hanging wafers on the branches as symbols of the Eucharist which then evolved into colorful Christmas balls. Decorating this Holy tree of Life with a representation of color and newness to honor the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. 

     Advent in Greek is called "Parousia", meaning  "coming" or "presence". Parousia captures the core meaning of Jesus's arrival or presence, therefore meaning "the coming of the Lord".

     Our Faith is rich in documented and true beliefs. These are just a few to think about. Take time to learn about the stories behind the symbols. It would be then, a true and meaningful Christmas. Well spent on meditating on the real "Reason for the Season".