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.