Christmastide Complete

Christmastide is complete with the arrival of Epiphany on January 6 and ends in celebration. This day is also known as Three Kings Day, when the three Wise Men arrived with their lavish gifts for the baby Jesus, King of Kings.

In the Catholic Faith this marks a day of celebration, Mardi Gras, followed by the season of Lent.

But this blog would not be complete unless we backtrack to those days missed.

We also need to see the Twelve Tide Christmas Island stamps issued in 1977. (Christmas Island is an island off of the coast of Australia).

Christmastide Day 8-12

On the eighth day of Christmas the One True Love, Christ, sent eight maid a-milking. The hidden message represented are the words of Christ in the Beatitudes. All are priceless blessings to those who will receive them on their walk of faith. The eight maids can be found in Matthew 5:3-10.

Next in the lineup are nine ladies dancing, or the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. The divine impartation of love, joy and peace. Then patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Such a bounty of harvest is how others will know we are followers of Christ the King.

Then come the ten lords a-leaping, which represent the Ten Commandments. God’s divine guide to keep us safe and free from our sin.

Next to arrive are eleven pipers piping who are none other than the eleven faithful disciples (minus Judas Iscariot). Each boldly declaring Christ and salvation through faith in Him to multitudes walking in darkness.

The Apostles Creed

The last day of Christmastide, day twelve, are twelve drummers drumming. Or better known as the Apostles Creed. Many churches still observe the 12 beliefs outlined in the creed:

I believe the in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come 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.

Each day of the Christmastide bring to our remembrance our beliefs and foundations of our Christian walk.

Now comes the conclusion and living the remainder of the year by keeping Christmas in our hearts.

Prayer for Today

Father, we pray for the coming year with all the new things ahead and the Christmastide complete. Give us faith to trust you more and love you more deeply. Guide us in the days ahead that we might seek you in all we do.Amen.

© 2025 Nanette M. Holloway—All Rights Reserved

Start the New Year right with a new devotional: Finding Delight in the Vineyard.