Happy Three Kings Day!

Written by guest bloggers: Kim Wilson & Kelly Barnes

Today (January 6), on the Christian Calendar, is Three Kings’ Day, also known as the Epiphany, the 12th day of Christmas and Theophany. Epiphany is a Christian feast day which celebrates the revelation of God made Man in the person of Jesus Christ. On this day, Western Christians commemorate principally the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus, i.e., his manifestation to the Gentiles; Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God. It is a general celebration of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. It includes the commemoration of: His birth; the visit of the Magi (Wise Men); all of Jesus’ childhood events, up to and including his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist; and even the miracle at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee.

The earliest reference to Epiphany as a Christian feast was in A.D. 361, by Ammianus Marcellinus St. Epiphanius says that January 6 is hemera genethlion toutestin epiphanion (Christ’s “Birthday; that is, His Epiphany”). He also asserts that the Miracle at Cana occurred on the same calendar day.

In reflection of the 12 days of Christmas, some historians believe the song The Twelve Days of Christmas was written to teach young Catholic children the catechism. During the 1500′s, Catholics were being persecuted for their faith, so the song was written to teach the twelve basic beliefs of the Christian faith. They are represented in the song by gifts from a suitor (Jesus) to his “true love” (the Church) and were like clues for the children to learn about the Catholic faith.

1. On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree.

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ. December 25th is the first day of Christmas and is also when we celebrate His Birthday. Jesus is symbolically represented as a mother partridge that pretends she is injured in order to keep predators from her nest and chicks. This represents Jesus’ sadness about Jerusalem.

2. On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, two turtle doves…..

The two turtle doves represents the Old and the New Testaments.

3. On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Three French Hens….

The three French Hens symbolize the three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope and Love.

4. On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, four calling birds……

The four calling birds represents the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

5. On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, five golden rings……

The five golden rings equal the first five books of the Old Testament also called the Torah or the Pentateuch

6. On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, six gees-a-laying……

The six geese represent the six days of creation

7. On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to m.e, seven swans-a-swimming……

The seven swans symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

8. On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, eight maids-a-milking……

Eight maids-a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.

9. On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, nine ladies dancing……

Nine ladies dancing are the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

10. On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, ten lords-a-leaping….

The ten lords symbolize the Ten Commandments.

11. On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, eleven pipers piping…..

The eleven pipers are the eleven faithful Apostles.

12. On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love game to me, twelve drummers drumming…..

The twelve drummers represent the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.