On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing. The nine ladies dancing have often been associated with the Fruit of the Spirit..
God
Eight Maids a-Milking
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eight maids a-milking. The eight maids a-milking are said to represent the Eight Beatitudes, spoken by Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount...
Seven Swans a-Swimming
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me seven swans a-swimming. The seven swans a-swimming have been understood to represent the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit...
Six Geese a-Laying
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me six geese a-laying. The six geese a-laying are said to represent the six days of Creation...
Five Gold Rings
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me five gold rings. The five gold rings are often understood to represent the first five books of the Old Testament—the Torah, or Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy...
Four Calling Birds
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four calling birds… These four are said to represent the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—four distinct tellings of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus...
Three French Hens
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two turtle doves. The three French hens are traditionally understood to represent faith, hope, and love (charity)—the enduring virtues at the heart of Christian life...
Two Turtle Doves
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two turtle doves. The two turtle doves are often said to represent the Old and New Testaments—two voices, held together, telling the long and unfinished story of God and humanity...
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree. Traditionally, the partridge in the pear tree represents Jesus Christ...
Pentecost: Hope Beyond Division
In a world marked by conflict, division, and hardship—from war in Ukraine and Gaza to austerity in the UK—Pentecost offers a quiet but powerful hope. It’s a story about breaking down barriers, finding new ways to listen, and discovering connection across our differences. This Pentecost Sunday, let’s reflect on what it means to speak new languages of understanding and build hope beyond division. Read more on how the Ascension calls us into action despite the waiting.
The Broken Church 