Three French Hens: The Gift of Refuge

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” – Matthew 23:37 (NKJV)

On the third day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree

As we unpack the symbolism in these gifts, a clearer picture of God’s heart begins to emerge. The first gift, a partridge, reminded us of God’s justice. The second gift, two turtledoves, pointed to the covenant He offers. Now, these three hens reveal another facet of God’s love: His deep desire to shelter and protect us under His wings.

In the Bible, Jesus compares Himself to a mother hen, longing to gather Jerusalem’s people under His wings of protection. This imagery of God as a sheltering bird is woven throughout Scripture. From the “hovering” Spirit in Genesis 1 to God’s “shielding” in Deuteronomy 32:10, and in the Psalms, God’s love is described as the shelter of a bird’s wings, protecting those who trust in Him. For centuries, the Israelites held onto this truth, knowing God was their refuge in times of trouble.

This invitation to take refuge under God’s wings is offered to all. In Ruth’s story, Boaz acknowledges that Ruth, a Moabite, has “come to take refuge under the wings of the God of Israel” (Ruth 2:12). Despite her foreign status, she is welcomed, loved, and ultimately blessed. God’s love and protection are extended to anyone who seeks Him, and He longs to cover each of us, just as a mother hen does with her chicks.

Yet, as Jesus grieved over Jerusalem, not all accept His invitation. Many turn away, some unknowingly, others in doubt or disbelief. Like vulnerable chicks, without the shelter of their mother, those who turn away from God’s embrace are left exposed to life’s many hardships. Without Him, the soul craves a satisfaction and security that only He can provide.

In Ghana, a saying goes, “akokɔ batane ne nim nea ne mma bedi”—“It is the mother hen who knows what its chicks will eat.” God, in His mothering nature, knows our deepest needs. Rejecting Him is to live without true refuge, companionship, and provision. The three hens in our Christmas song remind us that God has both the desire and the ability to care for us completely, offering safety and satisfaction to all who come to Him.

As we meditate on this image, let us choose to draw near to the “wings” of our heavenly parent. May this season be one of resting in His love, and of allowing His Spirit to shelter, satisfy, and sustain us.

Over to You:

• Reflect on the image of God as a mother hen, longing to gather you under His wings. What would it look like to accept His shelter in a deeper way this Christmas?
• Consider the areas of your life where you need God’s protection, and bring them to Him.

Further Scripture References:

• Psalm 91:4; Psalm 36:7; Isaiah 31:5

Prayer:
Loving Father, thank You for Your tender care and for the invitation to take refuge in You. Draw us close, Lord, that we may find peace, protection, and provision under Your wings. Let us rest in Your shelter this Christmas, and help us to trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.