“…Ten lords-a-leaping…” Did you know that lords were judges and in charge of the law? They are a symbol of the Ten Commandments, which were considered a form of ‘law’ given to Moses from God. The Ten Commandments can be found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 and were beneficial laws that show us how to live a better life and a way to please God. 

The Commandments are: 

You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make idols.
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honour your father and your mother.
You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
You shall not covet. 

Jesus summed up all of these laws into two – Love God and love your neighbour. 

Day 10 Action: Today, do something nice for your neighbour. Some ideas are: send flowers, offer to have their kids over for a play, write a nice note and deliver with some Christmas treats.

For the “Story Behind These GIfts” click here

For Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree click here

For Day 2: Two Turtle Doves click here

For Day 3: Three French Hens click here

For Day 4: Four Calling Birds click here

For Day 5: Five Golden Rings click here

For Day 6: Six Geese a Laying click here

For Day 7: Seven Swans a Swimming click here

For Day 8: Eight Milk Maids click here

For Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing click here

Nine ladies dancing remind us of the nine Fruits of the Spirit. The Fruits of the Spirit are a Biblical term that describes nine attributes: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. The Greek word for ‘fruit’ is a natural product of a living thing and is unified in whole, meaning you need all nine for growth. 

How can you apply these fruits to your own life? 

Day 9 Action: Practice kindness today by taking a meal to someone who needs some encouragement and provision.

For the “Story Behind These GIfts” click here

For Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree click here

For Day 2: Two Turtle Doves click here

For Day 3: Three French Hens click here

For Day 4: Four Calling Birds click here

For Day 5: Five Golden Rings click here

For Day 6: Six Geese a Laying click here

For Day 7: Seven Swans a Swimming click here

For Day 8: Eight Milk Maids click here

“On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…eight maids-a-milking…” Being a milkmaid was considered one of the worst jobs you could have in England during the time period this song was written! 

But Jesus was never one to shy away from a difficult job. He cared as much for His servants as He did those of royal blood. These milkmaids remind us of the eight Beatitudes that Jesus used to describe the way that we are to live, caring even for those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, or the meek. 

These Beatitudes teach us how to live a Christian life and they are… 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. 

What a beautiful set of rules to live by.

Day 8 Action: Offer to help someone with a chore or job that needs to be done, whether it’s someone in your home or a neighbour. It could be mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, folding a load of laundry – anything to serve. 

For the “Story Behind These GIfts” click here

For Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree click here

For Day 2: Two Turtle Doves click here

For Day 3: Three French Hens click here

For Day 4: Four Turtle Doves click here

For Day 5: Five Golden Rings click here

For Day 6: Six Geese a Laying click here

For Day 7: Seven Swans a Swimming click here