The Twelve Blessings of Christmas

 Author Unknown

The song “The 12 Days of Christmas” had its origins as a teaching tool to instruct young people in the meaning of their Christian faith at a time that they were not able to practice it openly (Roman Catholics in England 1558-1829).

1. On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. The “true love” represents God and “me” represents the Christian. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom ¡s no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 “The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ who died on the cross for us. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death ¡n the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18
2. The “two turtle doves” were the OT & NT - gifts from God. “In the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” -- Matthew 18:16 Now add the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and modern-day revelation! Two turtle doves can also represent the offering Mary and Joseph brought to the temple when they presented Christ. If you look at Leviticus 12:8 “And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering and the other for a sin offering...” Then look at Luke 2:24 “And to offer a sacrifice according to that which ¡s said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” This is also evidence that Mary and Joseph were still poor so the Wiseman had not come yet.
3. The “three French hens” were faith, hope, and charity - the 3 abiding gifts of the Spirit according to 1 Corinthians 13.
4. The “four calling birds” were the four Gospels which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ. “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.” Mark 13:10
5. The “five golden rings” were the first 5 books of the Bible - the Pentateuch, or Books of Moses. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day & night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, & then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8
6. The “six geese a-laying” were the 6 days of creation. “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. - Genesis 1:31
7. ‘Seven swans a-swimming referred to “7 gifts of the Holy Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:811; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; I Peter 4:10-11 .) “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another diverse kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” 1Cor. 12:8-11
8. “Eight maids a-milking: the 8 beatitudes (Matt 5:3-1 1; 3 Nephi I2; JST Matthew 5). “Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. And blessed are all they who do hunger & thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God. And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake; For ye shall have great joy & be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.” 3 Nephi 12:3-12
9. “Nine ladies dancing” referred to 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-23; 25.)
10. “Ten lord’s a-leaping” - Ten Commandments: Exodus 20:3-17
11. “11 pipers piping:” 11 faithful disciples. “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
12. “Twelve drummers drumming” were the 12 points of the Apostles’ Creed. We as Latter-day Saints do not follow the creed; rather, we follow a living prophet and 12 apostles. “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.” Article of Faith 6; see also Eph. 4:1 1-14.