Thursday, January 6, 2011

On the 12th Day of Christmas

my true love gave to me
twelve drummers drumming...
...eleven pipers piping
ten lords a leaping
nine ladies dancing
eight maids a milking
seven swans a swimming
six geese a laying
FIIIIVE GOLDEN RIIIIIIIIIIIIIINGS
four colly birds
three French hens
two turtle doves
AND A PAAAAAAAARTRIIIIIDGE IIIIIN AAAAA PEAAAARRR TREEEEEEEEEEE!

We have reached the 12th day of Christmas! Today is Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. Here in Germany this day is set aside to remember the Magi who came to worship Jesus and bring him gifts. The magi followed the star and crossed a great distance. Most people believe it took them about three years to reach Jesus. When I was researching this project I actually read a site that said they got there twelve days after he was born. I'm more apt to believe the three years theory, but I guess it depends on how far from the east they came... Anyway... While we don't know how many Magi came, we are told about three particular gifts they brought. Gold, incense, and myrrh. Gold was to declare his kingship. Incense to declare his Lordship. And myrrh was a burial oil which indicated that they were in the know about his future as a sacrifice. Smart guys. They knew THAT baby was the world's Messiah.

Anyway, since I live in Germany I thought you all might enjoy a German nutcracker drummer. There's only the one, but he's really cool!

So what about the number twelve? Well, according to the research the twelve helps us remember the Apostle's Creed. Well, I'm Christian but not Catholic, so this one was completely new to me. I'll post it for you here, but I don't have any insights to share with you about it. I think it's kind of self-explanatory.

The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed 1: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3: He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4: He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5: On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6: He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7: I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8: the holy catholic Church, 9: the communion of saints, 10: the forgiveness of sins, 11: the resurrection of the body, 12: and life everlasting.

Well, it feels kind of funny to be closing this one today. It's been a great adventure and I've enjoyed sharing some of myself along with the graphics. Thanks for sticking with me on our journey through the 12 Days of Christmas!

You can nab the drummer on 4shared or Box until 10 Jan 2011.

12 comments:

  1. Thank you so much. I've enjoyed this journey through the 12 days of Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for sharing - I discovered you on the 9th day (dancers dancing) and, ballerinas dance the Nutcracker.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you so much for the 12 days. I hope you enjoy Epiphany. We will actually be celebrating it Italian Style tomorrow (just a little adjustment since we are in the USA). This will be the first year we really celebrate it since I think the little girl is old enough now. I am so excited to share this tradition with my family and some friends.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank-you for the 12 Days of Christmas, such wonderfull elements!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and your wisdom. I'm looking forward to using all twelve kits. You're truly a Scrapping Angel.

    ReplyDelete
  6. thanks for the 12 days of CHristmas! I have enjoyed reading all about the faith--great insight! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. This has really been wonderful! Thank you not only for the cute elements, but the research you did into each of the verses of the song. I've really enjoyed it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave in the DigiFree category today [07 Jan 01:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have soooo enjoyed this series! thanks so much! As cute as this little drummer is - the bagpiper has my heart! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. thanks so very much for the whole series.

    ReplyDelete
  11. You did a wonderful job creating this series and I am very thankful that you have shared them with us. Also thank you for our notes on each day.

    Blessings to you and your family throughout the New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I like these very much. Thank you for your ability to interpret the research to digital symbols!

    ReplyDelete