The Second Day of Christmas

Have you recovered? Is your living room floor still covered with bits of wrapping, already broken toys, and a stack of gifts to exchange?

Or are you resting in the warmth of the season as I’m trying to do today.

Today is Boxing Day, traditonally for giving gifts to the poor, but now more of a shopping day.

For what it’s worth, just like I refuse to participate in Black Friday, I also don’t rush out for the after Christmas sales. If anything is around and incredibly cheap by next weekend, maybe I’ll check it out.

I went to Costco and Trader Joe’s on Wednesday. There is nothing that I need or desire to make me go to the store today. Not even for a bargain.

Today is also St. Stephen’s Day which commemorates the first Christian martyr.

When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 7:54-60

Stephen was stoned to death in 26 AD on what we recognize as the second day of Christmastide.

Or for our purposes, the second day of Christmas.

On this day my true love gave to me two turtle doves representing the Old and the the New Testament which offer us God’s plan for the world.

I’ll be reading through both the Old and the New in 2022. Join me. It will do you good.

Our source for this version: The Surprising Meaning Behind “The 12 Days of Christmas” Lyrics

As noted, I’ll be posting a different version of the song each day for the next twelve days. No need to thank me.


 

On this First Day of Christmas

Merriest of Christmases.

Maybe you’re reading this by the light of the tree, enjoying a cup of coffee, waiting for the chaos to begin.

Maybe you’re surrounded by piles of shredded wrapping paper and waiting for the first toy to break.

Maybe you’re sitting quietly by yourself waiting for someone to call, waiting to hear the news of a loved one’s medical condition, or just waiting.

However you’re observing the day, may the Peace of Christ our Savior dwell in your heart and may you know that you are loved.

Thanks for stopping by on Christmas Day. Thanks also for following our Advent series that brought us to today.

Christmas Day. Or the First Day of Christmas.

That’s right. The Twelve Days does not refer to the days leading up to Christmas. That’s Advent.

Today begins the real Twelve Days which carry us to Twelfth Night and Epihpany.

You know the song. If you don’t, over the next twelve days, I’ll be sharing different versions.

There’s a debate about the origin of the song. It was considered a traditional game.

But there are those who say that the song bears a deeper Christian meaning. That could very well be a story someone made up to share the story but, for our purposes, we’re sticking with it.

Your countdown and jingles may vary.

Today, the First Day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.

We are told that the partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus Christ. The symbolism here is that a partridge is the only bird that will die to protect its young (is that true, I’m not enough of an ornithologist to know for certain). And why a pear tree? No idea.

So, there you have it. Or you don’t.

But it’s Christmas Day and while I appreciate your stopping by, it’s time to sign off the Internet. Post your pictures to Instagram and go enjoy your family or the day in whatever way you see fit.

Stop by here tomorrow before you head out for gift exchange or view the credit card bills.

Santa is technially finished with his season. However, if you wear the red suit in an amusement park, you have a couple more weeks to go.

For now, go.

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Our source for this version: The Surprising Meaning Behind “The 12 Days of Christmas” Lyrics

Just for grins, I’ll be posting a different version of the song each day for the next twelve days. No need to thank me.