Christmastide - Day 12
January 5, 2025
Welcome to the Last Day of Christmastide
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Twelve drummers drumming.
We made it!
Today marks the twelfth and last day of the Christmas season. Today is a good time to reflect on the fullness of what we have celebrated: the coming of Christ, the promises of God fulfilled, and the hope we carry into a new year. I can’t think of a better way to start the year!
I have to admit that today’s folklore caught me by surprise. The twelve drummers drumming are said to symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed. First, I have never counted the total points to the creed. Second, the drumbeat makes sense in the tradition.
Why drummers? Because they provide the rhythm and keep the beat, just as the Apostles’ Creed provides a steady foundation for our faith. Bold and unmissable, drummers make their presence known, just as the Creed is a bold proclamation of the Gospel. (I found this on the internet so it must be true).
As we close Christmastide and prepare for the year ahead, I think reflecting on the Apostles’ Creed is a great way to get into the cadence for this coming year. We can slide right into the steady rhythm of God’s promises and the unshakable truths that guide our lives.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit.
The holy catholic Church.
The communion of saints.
The forgiveness of sins.
The resurrection of the body.
And life everlasting. Amen.
These twelve statements are the heartbeat of our faith. In a time when the world could use some unification – these 12 points can unite Christians across generations and around the world.
Scripture Reflection
After His resurrection, Jesus reminded His disciples of the Scriptures that foretold His life, death, and resurrection. In Luke 24:44, he said:
" 'This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.'"
The Creed reminds us of the wisdom we are called to pursue as followers of Christ. The creed is a simple way to reflect on the entirety of all that happened as God promised and fulfilled by His Son. The Apostles’ Creed is a gift of wisdom, helping us to understand the truths of Scripture and how they shape our lives as God’s people.
The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about wisdom. Here is but one example in Proverbs 4:7:
"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
A Reflection for the New Year
As we close Christmastide and step into the year ahead, the twelve drummers should remind us to live in rhythm with the truths of our faith. The Apostles’ Creed is not just a list of beliefs—it is a call to embody these truths in our daily lives. The Creed calls us to live with intention, grounded in the foundational truths of our faith and united with the larger body of Christ.
To all of you who stayed with me through this blog series – thank you. Thank you for my enduring my moments of banality that were intended to be humorous. After writing a blog a day for Advent and then diving into Christmastide – I will take a short break.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this blogging stuff. it was fun for me, and I learned a lot. (like using hte spell checker).
Anyway – on to our new year of discipleship and the low-hanging fruit of Unsaved Christians in our world.
A Prayer for Day 12
Lord, Thank You for the faithful witnesses who passed this rhythm of belief down through the ages, proclaiming the good news of Jesus with boldness.
Help me, Lord, to live with these truths—not just knowing them but embodying them in my words and actions. Teach me to proclaim Your love and grace boldly and joyfully.
As this new year begins, may these truths shape my heart, guide my steps, and deepen my relationship with You. Let my life be a steady drumbeat of faith, hope, and love, pointing others to Your glory.
In Jesus’ precious and Holy name
Amen and have a blessed and Happy New Year!
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