This Late Hour ...

*gasp* There are no pictures in this post! =O I attribute it to the lateness of the evening . You have my deepest apologies. =( You shall simply have to use your magnificent imagination! =)

*ding-dong*

"Merry Christmas ma'am/sir! These just arrived, registered mail - three chickens, addressed to you!"

[You silently take the clucking crate from the amused post-man, and wonder where you will keep the hens...pondering about what you could possibly receive next.]

=)

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me three French hens.

"French hens were valuable poultry during the sixteenth century - only the rich could afford them. These costly birds symbolized the three valuable gifts given to Jesus by the wise men: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Gold was the most precious of all metals. Frankincense and myrrh were expensive spices used as incense and for burials.

When they [wise men] saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child ... and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. ~Matthew 2:10-11"

It has been a most unusual, exciting sort of day, and I am looking forward to an equally grand one tomorrow! =)

Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas dear readers!

Ta-ta,

Phia

Partridges - A Hidden Meaning?

It has always been a puzzlement to me as to why 'My True Love' was so inconsiderately generous ... I mean where is one to store 23 fowls (not including 8 cows!), and 50 surplus people?? That isn't even taking into account that one is responsible to feed them all ...

*dink-dink*

It wasn't until yesterday evening that my curiosity was satiated, when Mum read to us from a book titled, The Real 12 Days of Christmas

{by Helen Haidle}.

It begins by explaining that in England, sometime during the sixteenth century, any religion, other than the proclaimed state religion, was forbidden. Thus, over the next three centuries, the individuals who refused to adhere to this law developed creative ways to teach the children their beliefs.

The generous benefactor, 'my true love', is referring to God. =)

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.

"The original gift of Christmas is Jesus, sent to earth from God.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. John 3:16

The partridge was known as a valiant bird, willing to fight to the death in order to defend its young. This bird's readiness to die for its young made it an ancient Christian symbol of Christ. The pear tree represents the cross.

I am the good shepherd...I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14-15"

It is my goal to be able to share with you the meaning of each day of Christmas until we reach ... December 25th! ;)

This past weekend was the annual IBLP staff Christmas Conference!

It has ever been a highlight for me. +)

The speakers were incredible, and there were also really awesome people there that I got to see. =D

Tell someone about the true meaning of Christmas - you may be the first person who's ever taken the time to tell them about our magnificent Savior! <3

Happy First Day of Christmas to all!

Ta-ta,

Phia

Post Script - I do apologize for being unable to post last week ... what with a hectic Christmas sche-dual and all, I trust you understand? =) I'm going to make up for it by posting every day until Christmas - highly unusual, I knowr. =P We shall see what transpires!