The Twelve Days of Christmas: Unwrapping the Gifts

Curtis G. Almquist
Cowley Publications (2006)
ISBN 1561012939
Reviewed by Joanne Benham for Reader Views (10/06)

While almost everyone in the United States is familiar with the song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” few people understand the sacred meaning of these days, instead finding themselves mired down in anticipation of Christmas Day itself, losing sight of the bigger picture.

The twelve days of Christmas begin on December 26 and run through January 6, Epiphany Day, when we celebrate the arrival of the Magi to present their gifts to the baby Jesus.  This book takes us day-by-day through the twelve days and gives us reasons to celebrate each day.  Here’s a brief summary of a few days.

Day 1: The gift of God’s love for us.

Day 4: The gift of joy.  The author illustrates this point with a story of being stuck in an airport with weather delays, when a group of ballroom dancers staged an impromptu show for them.  What a wonderful present, to make so many stressed and worried people happy.

Day 8: The gift of humility.  We are urged to make space in our lives for others, to respect them for who and what they are.  Listen to other people, not only with your ears, but also with your heart.

Day 11: The gift of peace.  This is the promise of Christ’s peace, given freely to all mankind, as written in the Bible.  Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.” Accept this peace in your heart and use it to ward off such feeling as envy, hate or rage.  Peace in our hearts will change the world.

“The Twelve Days of Christmas: Unwrapping the Gifts” should be read slowly, chapter-by-chapter, on each of the twelve days leading to the Epiphany, trying to put into practice what you have learned.

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