Eleven Pipers Piping: The Gift of Heavenly Anticipation

“The Lord’s city is in the holy hills. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. People say wonderful things about you, O city of God. … As for the singers, as well as the pipers — all of them sing within your walls.” – Psalm 87:1-3, 7 (NET)

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

This gift draws our attention to a glorious reality that every believer in Christ is destined for: the City of God, Zion, the place where God's presence dwells in fullness.

Psalm 87 paints a beautiful picture of this eternal city, where joy and worship flow freely. The psalmist describes the joy of Zion, where the sounds of singers and pipers fill the air with praises to God. This is a city unlike any other, a city where God Himself is present, where worship and delight in Him are constant. The song of the pipers and the voices of the singers all proclaim one simple truth: “All my fountains of joy are in You” (Psalm 87:7, The VOICE).

Because of Christmas, we can anticipate the day when we, too, will enter this eternal city and dwell forever in God’s presence. It will be a place where our joy will know no bounds. Imagine a moment that never ends—a moment of perfect peace, endless joy, and unbroken worship. In Zion, the praises of God will never cease, and all of our joy will be found in Him.

The eleven pipers piping are a symbol of the harmony and unity of all creation as we join together in the eternal song of worship. The pipes will play, the singers will sing, and we will forever declare the joy we find in God's presence. This is the promise of our future home—the City of God, where every fountain of joy is in Him.

Over to You:

• As we reflect on the anticipation of the City of God, how can you begin to experience the joy of worship even now?
• Allow the melodies of praise to fill your heart today, remembering that you are a citizen of Zion, destined for eternal joy in God's presence.

Further Scripture References:

• Revelation 21:2-4; Isaiah 35:10; Psalm 16:11; Philippians 3:20-21

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your City—Zion, where we will dwell forever in Your presence. We look forward to the day when we will sing and rejoice in Your holy city, knowing that all our fountains of joy are in You. Help us to live with an eternal perspective, keeping our hearts full of praise and anticipation for the joy that awaits us. May we experience Your joy even now as we worship You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.