Christmastide - Day 6

December 30, 2024
Merry Christmastide

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Six geese a-laying.

I can still remember, many years ago, when my now senior-citizen brother was just a little boy, and mom had us at the park, feeding ducks and enjoying the day. Out of nowhere, one of the geese decided it wanted in on the bread offerings. That mean old goose chased my brother down and gave his diaper-padded backside a good snap. Of course, he cried, I laughed. (C'mon, he wasn't hurt - it was funny).

Geese are remarkable creatures, known for their loyalty and devotion. They mate for life, and their commitment to one another is unwavering. In the wild, geese travel together in flocks, working as a team to navigate long migrations. Each goose takes a turn leading, while the others provide support, honking encouragement from behind. When one goose is injured or tired, another stays behind to care for it until it recovers. Isn't that exactly how Christians are called to fly through life?

This image of faithfulness—of sticking together through life’s journeys—reminds us of God’s steadfast love for His creation. Just as geese care for one another, God cares for us with an unshakable devotion.

The God Who Provides
Throughout Scripture, we see God as a provider. He doesn’t just create life—He sustains it. From the manna in the wilderness to Jesus feeding the five thousand, God’s faithfulness is evident in His care for the needs of His people.

The six geese laying eggs remind us of this truth. The eggs are a renewable gift, much like the daily bread Jesus taught us to pray for. In Luke 3:21-22, we see this faithfulness revealed in a powerful moment:


At Jesus’ baptism, God’s voice declares His love and approval. This moment is a reminder that God doesn’t just provide for our physical needs—He provides for our spiritual needs as well. Through Jesus, we are given the ultimate promise of new life.

What About the Legends?
In the Bible, the number six is most famously associated with the six days of creation. Genesis 1 describes how God created the world in six days, with the seventh day reserved for rest. Legend suggests the six geese a-laying points back to the six days of creation. They are a reminder for us of God’s ongoing work in the world. Creation wasn’t just a one-time event—it was a continuous act of renewal, provision, and faithfulness.
In Exodus 30:29, we are reminded of the holiness of what God creates:


We are called to steward and nurture the life God has entrusted to us. Whether it’s relationships, opportunities, or the world around us, we are invited to participate in God’s creative and life-sustaining work.

Second Thoughts
That legend sounds nice, and I can probably leave it right here, but I want to press on (lunch is not yet ready).  I get a sense there is a deeper meaning from the songwriter.

Just as geese remain loyal to their flock, God remains loyal to us, even when we falter. And just as the geese lay eggs, bringing forth life and hope, God continually works in and through us to bring renewal and abundance. I find the six geese a-laying invite us to reflect on the ways God’s faithfulness is present in our own lives. Here's a few thought to ponder today:

1. How Have You Seen God’s Faithfulness?
   Like the geese who care for one another, God has cared for you—through His provision, His guidance, and His unwavering love. Where have you seen His hand at work in your life?
2. What Eggs of Promise Are You Nurturing?
   The geese laying eggs remind us that life is full of potential. What new beginnings, dreams, or opportunities has God placed before you? How can you nurture them with faith and trust?
3. How Can You Reflect God’s Faithfulness?
   Geese are faithful to their flock, caring for the injured and encouraging one another along the way. How can you reflect this kind of faithfulness in your relationships, your community, and your walk with God?

 
Now My Final Thoughts
Regardless of which interpretation you choose, the six geese a-laying call us to marvel at God’s faithfulness. Let's give thanks for the God who provides, who sustains, and who never leaves us. And let us carry this faithfulness into the new year, ready to embrace the eggs of promise and potential that God has laid before us.