We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you a special presentation concerning the Twelve Days of Christmas. There seem to be two understandings of when the Twelve Days of Christmas occur. In one understanding, the 12 days preceding Christmas are days of preparation, with “minor” gift giving on each day. In the second understanding, the 12 days represent the time between the Nativity and the Epiphany, the arrival of the Magi, with their special gifts. Since I wasn’t prepared for this special presentation prior to Christmas Day, I will go with the 12 days following Christmas.

On each of the next twelve days in the spirit of the century old tradition of a presentation of Nine Lessons and Carols, which originated at the King’s College, Cambridge, England, I will publish a post that tells the story of the history of the world, through the Christmas story. Christmas is a compound word which means “celebration of Christ.” Lessons are readings from scripture which are meant to teach us something. Carols are hymns or songs of joy, usually with a Christmas theme. Each of the twelve lessons will consist of readings from both the Old and New Testaments, followed by at least one carol. The history of the world is made up of four chapters: Creation, the Fall, Redemption and Consumation. It is one story. It is His Story.

Before we begin this special program, a word from Elaine and me.

We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Please celebrate with us the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, during this holiday season. 

Elaine and I can’t sing our Christmas message to you. Perhaps, I should say, you wouldn’t want me to sing at all. However, we found two people who can sing. Enjoy our musical Christmas wish with Charlotte Church and Placido Domingo, found on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gemjzIzsek

 

O Holy Night, O Night Divine.