Today begins the Twelve Days of Christmas. A few months ago, Brian McLaren pushed me to ponder how I might put the Twelve Days of Christmas into action. What if we did more than take out the trash and rest on the 26th?
Surely, Facebook had me in a dither last night. Trash piled up under trees. It's a reality, but is that the world we want to live and share? Is this what I have to offer our world only one day after Jesus' birthday?
Might we stay upon bended knee beside the manger? Might we keep Christ, Christmas, and Advent our humble posture? It's not about the stuff folks. It's about Christ and what that messy manger birth might bring alive in me.
Certainly, some of the world hasn't even experienced Christmas yet, and we're already moving on. The Eastern Orthodox celebrate Christmas January 7th based on the Gregorian calendar vs. our December 25th Julian calendar celebrations.
As we work our way towards the Magi's epiphany, how might we have an epiphany? I'm posting ideas for the next twelve days, follow along if you wish, but first a little background information.
The first known publication of The Twelve Days of Christmas was in 1780 England. Yet, the carol is believed to be of French origin. Some Christians believe the carol conveys a secret message about Christianity, but this secret message theory has neither been proven, nor disproven.
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| Helen Haidle's Twelve Days |
Whether you believe in Santa, St. Nicolas, our Savior, or all three, let's live The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Santa's elves rest with reindeer.
It's up to us to elf,
the real Twelve Days of Christmas.
Let's not put Christmas upon a shelf.
Human elves we shall be,
living and giving,
The Twelve Days of Christmas,
ever cheerfully.
On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
A medium sized non-migrating bird, partridges live in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Ground dwelling, partridges are considered a lowly and humble bird. my true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Elf the birds
Whether you own a bird feeder or not, put food out for the birds today. Ironically, the Humane Society encourages humans to place bird food and feeders at least twelve feet from brush and shrubs where bird predators hide. Recommended Feed: Mix peanut butter with suet drippings and high protein millet, cracked peanuts, or medium grain cracked corn.
Elf your neighbor with the blessing of birds.
Make or buy several packages of bird suet. Hang with twine on a neighbor's tree with good window viewing. Next year, don't ask. Elf your neighbor the night of the 25th. This year, be brave. Take a plate of cookies over and ask about hanging bird suet in their tree. Watch the birds together.
Make a donation to the National Audubon Society.
Make plans to plant a fruit tree in late winter or very early spring. Don't have room for one in your yard? Purchase a tree for planting at a local community garden. In a few years, the fruit may be shared with birds and humans alike. Have a large orchard? Get involved with a gleaning organization in your area, or start one!
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| Why does every gingerbread man lose his head? |
