Day 12 - Christmas Season Devotionals
January 6 - Epiphany
Matthew 12:15-21
"On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Twelve Drummers Drumming."
I love the song “The Little Drummer Boy.” He had no gift to bring to the newborn king except the gift of his music. As we listen to the “barum pa pum pum, barum pa pum pum” our hearts swell as we dream of what we can give as well. I am a drummer. I love to play my Djembe, particularly in what is known as a drum circle. There is nothing like hearing all of the different beats, and rhythms as they merge into something wonderful. An act of worship that is incredibly meaningful is “Psalm drumming.” A beat is established, usually on the Djembe, and then others begin to add their form of percussion while the Psalm is being read poetically. It is a moving experience. Everyone responds to the words of the Psalm differently but each persons contribution enhances the message that is read.
The Twelve Drummers Drumming reminds us of the importance of passing on the faith. In this legend, as the children learned each of the previous eleven important elements of their faith they came lastly to the twelve points of doctrine that are found in the Apostle's Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell [the grave]. On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again 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.
This earliest of Christian statements of faith forms a foundation of our faith. It is important to know what we believe. The Apostle’s Creed was an early attempt on the part of the Church of Jesus Christ to articulate those elements of our faith that are essential for every believer. It is upon these that we all agree. These twelve statements provide a common place for discussion and outreach.
Action Point: What points are particularly important to you? What is confusing to you?
How do you communicate the heart of your faith—are you able to use these simple points to do so?
Summary
I hope that you have found meaning and help with these short devotions related to the Season of Christmas. My prayer is that you will remember that the season is more than simply what we see on Christmas eve or Christmas day but it is to be taken into our hearts and lived all year long.
Matthew 12:15-21
"On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Twelve Drummers Drumming."
I love the song “The Little Drummer Boy.” He had no gift to bring to the newborn king except the gift of his music. As we listen to the “barum pa pum pum, barum pa pum pum” our hearts swell as we dream of what we can give as well. I am a drummer. I love to play my Djembe, particularly in what is known as a drum circle. There is nothing like hearing all of the different beats, and rhythms as they merge into something wonderful. An act of worship that is incredibly meaningful is “Psalm drumming.” A beat is established, usually on the Djembe, and then others begin to add their form of percussion while the Psalm is being read poetically. It is a moving experience. Everyone responds to the words of the Psalm differently but each persons contribution enhances the message that is read.
The Twelve Drummers Drumming reminds us of the importance of passing on the faith. In this legend, as the children learned each of the previous eleven important elements of their faith they came lastly to the twelve points of doctrine that are found in the Apostle's Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell [the grave]. On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again 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.
This earliest of Christian statements of faith forms a foundation of our faith. It is important to know what we believe. The Apostle’s Creed was an early attempt on the part of the Church of Jesus Christ to articulate those elements of our faith that are essential for every believer. It is upon these that we all agree. These twelve statements provide a common place for discussion and outreach.
Action Point: What points are particularly important to you? What is confusing to you?
How do you communicate the heart of your faith—are you able to use these simple points to do so?
Summary
I hope that you have found meaning and help with these short devotions related to the Season of Christmas. My prayer is that you will remember that the season is more than simply what we see on Christmas eve or Christmas day but it is to be taken into our hearts and lived all year long.