Christmastide - Day 9
January 2, 2025
Merry Christmastide
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Nine ladies dancing.
I never thought I would be a fan of ballet, but I changed my mind after seeing The Nutcracker in New York City. What struck me most was the incredible athleticism hidden within the graceful movements of the dancers. The unity of all those performers (can we still say "ballerinas"?) moving in perfect synchrony was absolutely spellbinding.
This memory of those ladies dancing immediately brings to mind joy, celebration, and movement. It paints a picture of freedom, grace, and beauty—a life fully alive and in tune with the rhythms of God’s Spirit. In Scripture, dancing is often an expression of praise, gratitude, and surrender to God.
Christian tradition links the nine ladies dancing to the nine fruits of the Spirit, described in Galatians 5:22-23: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Anything in that list that you cannot demonstrate individually? Try being all of them at once…
I often forget that Paul called out these nine fruits as evidence of a life transformed and guided by God’s Spirit. Just as dancing requires surrender to rhythm and movement, these spiritual fruits flow from a life surrendered to and directed by God.
A Celestial Dance
I selected today’s scripture from Luke because it captures the beauty of Jesus’ baptism, where we see all three persons of the Trinity at work: the Son humbly submitting to baptism, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father affirming Jesus with words of love and delight. A celestial ballet of sorts. Here is Luke 3:21-22:
In this moment, we see how Jesus’ life, mission, and ministry would be marked by the Spirit’s power. His baptism was not only a moment of consecration but also a celebration of His obedience and identity as God’s beloved Son. For us, this passage reminds us that God’s Spirit empowers and sustains us as well. The fruits of the Spirit are the evidence of His work in our lives—a dance of grace and transformation that reflects His love.
The Nine Fruits of the Spirit
We probably should take another look at the nine fruits of the Spirit because they reflect God’s character and provide a guide for how we are called to live as His consecrated people:
Consecration for a Joyful Dance
The nine ladies dancing remind us that we have been consecrated for a joyful, Spirit-filled life. The fruits of the Spirit are not only evidence of our transformation but also a sign of the holy calling we have received as described in Exodus 30:29:
This verse speaks of consecration—setting apart something or someone for God’s sacred purposes. We, too, are set apart as God’s holy people. Consecrated and called to always be a witness to the love of Christ by presenting the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Nine fruits may seem like a lot, but when we are freely living in the Spirit, we unconsciously demonstrate our spiritual "dance moves." But dancing also requires practice, balance, and surrender. The fruits of the Spirit are not things we achieve on our own—they grow in us as we surrender to God’s transforming work. They are not about striving but about abiding in Him. Fortunately, tutus aren't required. That would not be a pretty sight on my part.
As we step into this new year, let us commit to living lives that reflect the fruits of the Spirit, trusting God to continue His transforming work in us. May we move through life with grace and joy, celebrating the freedom we have in Him.
Let's Pray:
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit, who empowers me to live a life of love, joy, and holiness. Thank You for the reminder of Jesus’ baptism, where You declared Your love and poured out Your Spirit.
I praise You for the fruits of the Spirit, which reflect Your character and work in my life.
Father, I confess that I often fall short of living out these fruits. Forgive me for the times I have acted without love, lacked patience, or failed to show kindness. Transform my heart, Lord, so that I may reflect Your goodness in all I do.
Lord, help me to live a life of joyful obedience, trusting You to lead and empower me. May the fruits of the Spirit be evident in all I do, and may my life be a reflection of Your grace and glory.
In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen.
Merry Christmastide
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Nine ladies dancing.
I never thought I would be a fan of ballet, but I changed my mind after seeing The Nutcracker in New York City. What struck me most was the incredible athleticism hidden within the graceful movements of the dancers. The unity of all those performers (can we still say "ballerinas"?) moving in perfect synchrony was absolutely spellbinding.
This memory of those ladies dancing immediately brings to mind joy, celebration, and movement. It paints a picture of freedom, grace, and beauty—a life fully alive and in tune with the rhythms of God’s Spirit. In Scripture, dancing is often an expression of praise, gratitude, and surrender to God.
Christian tradition links the nine ladies dancing to the nine fruits of the Spirit, described in Galatians 5:22-23: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Anything in that list that you cannot demonstrate individually? Try being all of them at once…
I often forget that Paul called out these nine fruits as evidence of a life transformed and guided by God’s Spirit. Just as dancing requires surrender to rhythm and movement, these spiritual fruits flow from a life surrendered to and directed by God.
A Celestial Dance
I selected today’s scripture from Luke because it captures the beauty of Jesus’ baptism, where we see all three persons of the Trinity at work: the Son humbly submitting to baptism, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father affirming Jesus with words of love and delight. A celestial ballet of sorts. Here is Luke 3:21-22:
"When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'"
In this moment, we see how Jesus’ life, mission, and ministry would be marked by the Spirit’s power. His baptism was not only a moment of consecration but also a celebration of His obedience and identity as God’s beloved Son. For us, this passage reminds us that God’s Spirit empowers and sustains us as well. The fruits of the Spirit are the evidence of His work in our lives—a dance of grace and transformation that reflects His love.
The Nine Fruits of the Spirit
We probably should take another look at the nine fruits of the Spirit because they reflect God’s character and provide a guide for how we are called to live as His consecrated people:
- Love: The first fruit and the foundation of all others. God’s love for us empowers us to love others selflessly and sacrificially.
- Joy: A deep, abiding delight in God that transcends circumstances, rooted in His presence and promises.
- Peace: True peace flows from trusting God fully and living in harmony with Him, others, and ourselves.
- Patience: Patience reflects God’s incredible grace toward us and calls us to extend that same grace to others.
- Kindness: Kindness is love in action—showing compassion, generosity, and care to those around us.
- Goodness: A life of integrity and righteousness, choosing to reflect God’s holiness in all we do.
- Faithfulness: Remaining steadfast and loyal to God, His Word, and others, even in challenging times.
- Gentleness: Strength under control, responding to others with humility and care.
- Self-Control: The Spirit’s power at work in us, helping us resist temptation and live with discipline and purpose.
Consecration for a Joyful Dance
The nine ladies dancing remind us that we have been consecrated for a joyful, Spirit-filled life. The fruits of the Spirit are not only evidence of our transformation but also a sign of the holy calling we have received as described in Exodus 30:29:
"You shall consecrate them, so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy."
This verse speaks of consecration—setting apart something or someone for God’s sacred purposes. We, too, are set apart as God’s holy people. Consecrated and called to always be a witness to the love of Christ by presenting the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Nine fruits may seem like a lot, but when we are freely living in the Spirit, we unconsciously demonstrate our spiritual "dance moves." But dancing also requires practice, balance, and surrender. The fruits of the Spirit are not things we achieve on our own—they grow in us as we surrender to God’s transforming work. They are not about striving but about abiding in Him. Fortunately, tutus aren't required. That would not be a pretty sight on my part.
As we step into this new year, let us commit to living lives that reflect the fruits of the Spirit, trusting God to continue His transforming work in us. May we move through life with grace and joy, celebrating the freedom we have in Him.
Let's Pray:
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit, who empowers me to live a life of love, joy, and holiness. Thank You for the reminder of Jesus’ baptism, where You declared Your love and poured out Your Spirit.
I praise You for the fruits of the Spirit, which reflect Your character and work in my life.
Father, I confess that I often fall short of living out these fruits. Forgive me for the times I have acted without love, lacked patience, or failed to show kindness. Transform my heart, Lord, so that I may reflect Your goodness in all I do.
Lord, help me to live a life of joyful obedience, trusting You to lead and empower me. May the fruits of the Spirit be evident in all I do, and may my life be a reflection of Your grace and glory.
In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen.
Posted in The Twelve Days of Christmas
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