Unwrapping the Gift

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" – 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)

Today, we begin a 12-day Christmas Devotional series, exploring the rich layers of meaning in this beloved season. Christmas has always been filled with music, and Christmas carols hold a special place in my heart. Growing up, I loved many of these songs. Some carols beautifully celebrate Christ, pointing to His presence as the true center of Christmas. Others are more neutral, missing an explicit focus on Christ, while still others drift into the romantic or even the inappropriate, which can leave a true believer unsettled.

For the next 12 days, I invite you to join me in reflecting on a well-known Christmas song: The 12 Days of Christmas. What if, beneath its light-hearted and seemingly secular lyrics, we could discover a message about the true meaning of Christmas? I am aware there are quite some historical ambiguities around the origins and purpose of the song, but the path our reflection on it will take over these 12 days is, to begin with the Scriptural references to the gifts from "my true love," as the song says, as a window into the priceless and indescribable treasure which our True Love (God) has given us in Christ Jesus. We’ll look at each “gift” through a biblical lens, and, as an African, through an African Christian lens, too. By doing so, we will be unveiling the story of God’s love and His ultimate gift to the world.

Traditionally, the 12 Days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day (December 25th) and continue until Epiphany (January 6th), marking the day when the Magi visited young Jesus. As we dive into these reflections, let’s explore how each gift in the song can reveal the heart of the Christmas story and God’s extraordinary love.

Over to You:

• Reflect on your favorite Christmas carols. Which ones help you focus on Christ as the true reason for the season?
• As we journey together through The 12 Days of Christmas, be open to seeing familiar lyrics in new ways that bring you closer to the wonder of God’s love.

Further Scripture References:

• Isaiah 9:6; John 3:16; James 1:17

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the indescribable gift of Your Son, Jesus. As we begin this journey through the story of Christmas, open our hearts to see Your love in new and profound ways. Let this season draw us closer to You and remind us of the true reason for our joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.