There are a bunch of people out there who celebrate the amazing holiday of Christmas. When Christmas comes to our minds, we automatically resort to a mythical jolly old man with a white beard and red suit, who gives presents and says, “Ho Ho Ho”. People also might hang decor of dried fruits and pine while drinking their warm hot cocoa and dancing to Christmas music. All this is depicted on the holiday leading up to the day. But sometimes these traditions cause people to forget the true importance of what the day really symbolizes and why it’s truly special.
You may have heard of the song called” The 12 Days of Christmas”. Throughout most of the song, people pay attention to the gift receiving and what the song just states on the surface, though that’s not the true meaning of the song. Some believe that the true root was originated during a period of persecution, when Catholics in England were unable to practice their faith openly. During this time, families are said to have used the song as a catechetical tool, discreetly teaching children the beliefs of the Catholic faith. Each gift in the song symbolizes a key element of Catholic doctrine, understood primarily by members of the Church.
December 25th: we all know that day as Christmas, but it really is the 1st day of the 12 days of Christmas. On December 25th, we celebrate probably the most important event out of all, the birth of Jesus Christ. This was the day our savior came to the world, and ever since that day the holy faith
was forever changed. The Christmas season continues forward from that day for 12 days, all the way to January 6th “the Epiphany”, also known as Three Kings’ Day. January 6th is a significant feast day for the Catholic religion, the day is represented as a commemoration for Jesus, the feast day is a time to reflect on the coming of Jesus as the Savior of all people. The story of the Magi visiting Jesus is found in the Gospel of Matthew. They followed a star to find the newborn King (Jesus) and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolizing his divinity, kingship and sacrificial death. The importance of Epiphany in the Catholic Church lies in its message of inclusivity emphasizing that salvation is available to all people.
The true 12 Days of Christmas remind us that it is important to keep spreading the message of Christmas beyond December 25th. Keep up your nativity stands after December 25th to continue to involve Christ with Christmas and acknowledge who we are truly celebrating. This season is for gratitude, kindness, and reflecting on Jesus, who gave us the greatest gift of all.
