Christmastide - Day 3
December 27, 2024
Merry Christmastide
On the third day of Christmas, my True Love gave to me ...
Three French Hens.
The hens symbolize faith, hope, and love—three foundational aspects of our Christian belief. The Christmas song is believed to have originated in the 18th century, during a time when poultry, especially hens, were valuable assets for families. French Hens were particularly prized for their egg production. While we think Fried Chicken - they used to think survival!
We recently explored the themes of hope and love during Advent, and now we can see how they intertwine with faith. The Tim Tebow Foundation uses these three words in its logo. I should know; my wife has the bracelet, the sweatshirt, the drinking cup…. Seeing them connected strengthens our relationship with Christ and with one another.
The Power of Faith, Hope, and Love
In Christian tradition, faith is essential as we seek guidance, comfort, and strength from the Holy Spirit. In Luke 1:1-2, we read,
"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word."
This passage emphasizes the importance of faith in the testimony of those who witnessed Christ's life and ministry. Their experiences inspire us to trust and believe in the promises of God. Yet, many people struggle to have faith in God’s promises—or they willfully choose to believe in something other than a Sovereign God. Sadly, without faith, hope and love flounder.
For those struggling with faith, hope can serve as a grounding point in their walk with God. Isaiah 40:31 tells us:
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."
Even in times of difficulty, we can find strength and resilience through the smallest fragment of hope in God. As a church family, we can encourage one another to nurture hope by sharing our stories of faith, praying for each other, and uplifting one another. This fosters an environment where hope can thrive. Together, we can remind each other of the hope we have in Christ, especially during difficult times.
However… I can never leave a good thing alone!
Remember on the first day, when I wrote that I wasn’t going to go down the rabbit hole? Well, we can peek, can’t we? Some social anthropologists think the significance of the number three symbolizes the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The inclusion of "three" French Hens in the song can be seen as a nod to this foundational doctrine.
There is folklore that "The Twelve Days of Christmas" contains hidden meanings or represents subversive Christian teachings. The theory suggests that the song was created as a way for Catholics to teach their faith during a time when practicing Catholicism was illegal in England. Each gift is thought to represent a Christian doctrine.
- Partridge in a Pear Tree: Jesus Christ.
- Two Turtle Doves: The Old and New Testaments.
- Three French Hens: Faith, hope, and love (or the Trinity).
Whichever storyline you choose, know that each hen represents a vital aspect of our spiritual journey. Faith allows us to trust in God's plan, hope gives us the courage to look forward, and love calls us to serve others selflessly.
How do we do that? Through the Trinity!
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