The Twelve Days of Christmas: The Seventh Day

Preparing for the Second Sunday after Christmas: Two Days Before Sunday (Year C)

Scripture

Psalter: Psalm 147:12-20

Old Testament: 1 Kings 3:5-14

Gospel: John 8:12-19

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Prayer

Through dreams and visions, O God, you broaden the horizon and hope of your people, that they may discover the meaning of your covenant, even in the midst of trial and exile. Increase the number of those who believe in your word so that all people may joyfully respond to your call and share in your promises. Amen.

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Reflection

The Seventh Day of Christmas is December 31st. The seven swans a-swimming signify the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy. David Schrock lists the following qualities of the Holy Spirit:

1. The Spirit is the one who knows God.

2. The Holy Spirit is God.

3. For humanity to know God, the Spirit must make it known.

4. The Spirit grants understanding of gospel grace.

5. The Spirit equips and sends gospel messengers.

6. The Spirit hides himself from pride.

7. The Spirit reveals the grace of God to God’s elect. (The details of each of these can be found here.)

New Year's Eve was a day for games and sports. In some countries there were laws that all males of military age had to compete in archery competitions on this day, so that the king might have plenty of archers should there be a war.

December 31st is the feast day of Pope Sylvester the I who died on this day in 335.

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