12th Day of Christmas

 

Today is the Twelfth Day of Christmas! It is the eve of Epiphany - and tomorrow starts the Epiphany Season - BUT - keep in mind, IT'S STILL CHRISTMASTIDE! Christmastide lasts through February 2nd!

The Twelfth Day we recall the 12 points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed.

1. 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 Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. 
4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. 
5. He descended into hell. On the third day, he rose again. 
6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 
7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost, 
9. the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, 
10. the forgiveness of sins, 
11. the resurrection of the body, 
12. and life everlasting.

12th Night (Twelfth Night)

Tonight marks the end of the 12 Days of Christmas, tonight is "Twelfth Night."  Tomorrow begins the Season of Epiphany which directly precedes the Season of Lent.  In many traditions the celebration of 12th Night symbolizes the close of the Christmas Season.  Decorations were taken down and the wreath which hung upon most Christian doors would be removed and any edible parts of it were eaten.  There is also the tradition of the "King's Cake" - which would be prepared and eaten on 12th Night.  The King's Cake is a round/ring cake (sometimes with a crown in the middle).

Epiphany marks the day the Wise Men arrived to visit the Infant Jesus, and they came bearing gifts.  This is one of the reasons we give gifts in the Christmas Season, though most have moved this celebration of gift giving to Christmas morning.  One tradition, as the song of the Twelve Days of Christmas portrays, is to give a gift on each day of the 12 days.

What will you do to celebrate this evening?  Bake a King's Cake?  Exchange gifts?  If you've never marked this holy day (holiday) then perhaps this year is a good year to start!

Blessings and Merry Christmas!  (Yes, today is STILL part of the Christmas Season!)