Family Focus Friday: 12 Days of Christmas

I found THIS WEBSITE a couple weeks ago that explains that symbols of "The 12 Days of Christmas" song. For each day there is scripture, a book/story to read, craft, family discussion topic, song, and prayer, along with a part of the Christmas alphabet. It's a really neat website with great ideas! You should check it out! But for now I'll share the what the symbols mean...

Day 1 - Partridge In A Pear Tree - Christ who died on the Cross for our sins. A partridge often feigns injury to draw attention to herself and away from her young to protect them from danger. Because of its self sacrifice the partridge was used to represent Christ.
Day 2 - 2 Turtle Doves - Old and New Testaments. Because they have one mate for life the turtle doves represent enduring relationships, such as the unbreakable bond between the Old and New Testaments.
Day 3 - 3 French Hens - Holy Trinity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Day 4 - 4 Calling Birds- The four Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Day 5 - 5 Golden Rings - The first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah.
Day 6 - 6 Geese a Laying - The six days of Creation. (eggs represent new life)
Day 7 - 7 Swans a Swimming - The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)
Day 8 - 8 Maids a Milking - The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)
Day 9 - 9 Ladies Dancing - The nine Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)
Day 10 - 10 Lords a Leaping - The 10 Commandments
Day 11 - 11 Pipers Piping - The eleven disciples who remained faithful to Christ.
Day 12 - 12 Drummers Drumming - The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed:
1. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord,
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell.
5. The third day he rose again from the dead;
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
7. From there he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
9. I believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,
10. The forgiveness of sins,
11. The resurrection of the body,
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.

As for the ABCs of Advent, there are a couple variations though mostly the same. Here are two: Version 1, Version 2

CLICK HERE for more fun Advent resources!

Enjoy!

I won't be posting next week since I'll be on vacation! See you in two!