On the 12th day of Christmas . . .

On the 12th day of Christmas

my True Love gave to me,

12 drummers drumming.

Those 12 drummers are playing a cadence that calls us back to the rhythm of faith that guides our every step.  Regardless of the times we may fall out of line, or loose track of where we've been, we find it much easier to lend an ear to the rhythmic flow, step back in and quickly reassemble, based on the very foundations of faith that we've learned from those early childhood days, ingrained deep within our souls and second nature to every choice we make, every day we live.

The Apostles Creed . . 12 statements of faith . .
an established tempo that congretates us into one family

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.

4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 

6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

7) I believe in the Holy Spirit,

8) the holy catholic Church,

9) the communion of saints,

10) the forgiveness of sins,

11) the resurrection of the body,

12) and life everlasting.

Knowing what you believe is a defining moment . . some people spend their entire life being a 'seeker' ... weighing all the options, trying new things to see if maybe THIS is the thing that will work, the Thing that will bring peace or direction or hope or forgiveness, when like we've heard for years, Jesus is the Reason for the Season.  Though 'commercial' in nature, the very TRUTH of such a statement resonates to the very core of who we are.

We've spent the past 12 days looking at all the 'gifts' we've received from our True Love .... why not remember these new discoveries with a Christmas Ornament to commemorate things . . . i LOVE a tree that full of memories . . ornaments that tell stories as the lights twinkle around them and you stop and ponder, reliving those moments of significance . . why couldn't this lacey little sphere serve as one of those landmark times in your heart?  or why not make several and share a bit of Christmas sparkle when you give them as gifts - - it would be a great way to also explain the lessons you've learned about this new/old Christmas song!

My favorite Christmas ornament, however, is this precious cupcake pattern.  Why not have a Birthday Party for Jesus?  Knit just one and display it on a beautiful plate, prominently sitting out for all to see.  Or knit them in several shapes and sizes to serve as hostess gifts, thank you gifts, or yet another way to start the conversation rolling about what your True Love gave to you for Christmas.  Just add sprinkles or cherries on top and you've got the sweetest little reminder . . and before long you'll be humming Happy Birthday in the midst of all the commerical Christmas tunes . .

Merry Christmas!  Happy Birthday Jesus!