Christmastide - Day 5
December 29, 2024
Merry Christmastide
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Five golden rings.
I recently performed a wedding of a family member and I had to mention the symbolism of the wedding rings. It always sounds corny (to me) so I thought I would dig a bit deeper in the context of this song, So, what do these five golden rings represent?
A Circle Without End
The standard wedding ceremony imagery of the ring itself is significant. A ring, with no beginning and no end, symbolizes eternity—a reflection of God's eternal love and the everlasting nature of His covenant with us. The five rings could remind us of the completeness and perfection of God's plan, as seen in the five days of creation before the creation of life on land (Genesis 1).
These rings are not just symbols of material wealth but of spiritual abundance and God's unwavering faithfulness. But I think the song intends this to represent something else.
The Beauty of Creation
Gold has long been seen as a symbol of value, beauty, and purity. Throughout Scripture, it invokes images of divine perfection and God's glory. The "golden rings" in this context could point us to the beauty and goodness of God's creation. In Genesis 1:31, we are reminded of God's delight in His work:
"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."
These golden rings, then, can serve as a reminder of the goodness inherent in all that God has created. Just as gold is refined and polished to reveal its beauty, so too is creation imbued with God's fingerprints, a reflection of His majesty. This answer might be closer but it begs the question…
Why five rings?
Folklore suggests the rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament. After all, the word Pentateuch does mean five. Other interpretations suggest they represent the abundance and generosity of God’s creation, five golden reminders that God provides for all our needs. As Jesus taught us in Luke 12:24:
"Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"
This verse calls us to trust in God's provision. The golden rings can symbolize both the richness of God's blessings and the invitation to rest in His care. If God provides for the birds of the air, how much more will He provide for us?
We might be getting close to the real meaning but now I'm thinking the rings mean something more internalized like…
A Call to Gratitude
I would suggest the five golden rings invite us to pause and reflect with gratitude. In an age of hustle and distraction, we often overlook the "golden" moments in our lives (Wonder, Relationships, Provision, Gratefulness, and Growth). Let's use this for our guidance during Christmastide:
- The Beauty of Creation Around Us: Take time to notice and appreciate the wonder of God’s handiwork, from golden sunrises to the intricacy of a flower—reminders of His goodness reflected in the world.
- The Loved Ones Who Enrich Our Days: Be thankful for the relationships that bring joy, love, and purpose into your life, seeing them as gifts from God.
- The Small But Significant Ways God Provides for Us: Reflect on the everyday blessings—food, shelter, health, and peace—that show God’s care, even in the ordinary.
- The Opportunities to Share and Serve: Be grateful for the chances you have to show love and generosity to others, knowing that giving reflects the heart of God.
- The Growth Found in Life’s Challenges: Be thankful for the lessons and strength gained through difficult times, knowing that even challenges are part of God’s plan to refine and grow us.
Well, that's my take anyway - and my blog, so there is that. lol
However you reflect on the five golden rings, we are still reminded that, from the smallest bird (Day 1) to the vastness of the golden heavens, every detail reflects His glory.
Let's all remember that just as God delights in His creation, He delights in us.
Posted in The Twelve Days of Christmas
No Comments