Christmas Symbols

I love all the symbols of Christmas. From Santa Claus being a selfless giver to the star we hang on the tree to the candy canes that represent the shepherds in the field. There are MANY symbols of this season and they all point to our Savior: his birth, his teachings, and his example. I have learned some new symbols this Christmas and it has brought me so much joy! 

I never thought about the 12 days of Christmas song and what it could mean. 

This year we did a 12 days of Christmas for a neighbor. I had an ornament for each day and wanted to put a message with each one. As i looked for idea's i came across many different interpretations. I found one i liked but made some adjustments to what i believe.

On the FIRST day of Christmas my true love gave to me

A partridge in a pear tree

First of all, our true love can represent our loving Heavenly Father. He truly loves us! 

The partridge represents the Savior. Just as the partridge bird protects her young under her wing so does Jesus Christ for us. 

Two turtle doves

These can represent the Bible and Book of Mormon. They are both a witness that Jesus IS the Christ.

 Three french hens

The three kings bearing gifts but in this instance they are: Faith, Hope and Charity. Jesus possessed these gifts and it reminds me to strive for them myself.

Four calling birds

They can represent the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 

Each of these apostles bore strong testimonies of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 Five golden Rings

They can represent the first five books of the Old Testament and the miracles that occurred. Then that leads me to think of all the miracles the Savior performed during his ministry and then the ones that he performs in my own life! 

Six geese-a-laying

The 6 day's of creation. Under the direction of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ created this beautiful world for us.

 Seven swans-a-swimming

These can represent the seven gifts of the spirit, although i believe there are many more gifts of the spirit.
 Eight maids-a-milking

These can stand for the 8 beattitudes taught by Jesus in Matthew 5 and 3 Nephi 12.

 Nine ladies dancing

They can represent the fruits of the spirit found in Galations 5:22

Ten lords-a-leaping

They can signify the 10 commandments.

 Even pipers piping

They can represent the eleven faithful apostles.

Twelve drummers drumming

Twelve living apostles today! Makes me also think about the restoration of the fullness of Christ's Church!

This isn't DOCTRINE by any means but the cool thing about symbols is that they can mean so many different things to different people. And this is what this song means to me now. It means God loves me and has sent His son along with many other tools to help me in this life.