I haven’t kept up with this as I intended, and it’s because no matter how much brighter the Light may grow, darkness always tries to overcome it. There have been unexpected, difficult moments and happenings the last couple days. My attention has been unfocused, my heart heavy and my anxiety high. Yet, the Light is ever present, ever faithfully shining.

January 1, the 8th day of Christmas, traditionally celebrates Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and the 8 maids a milking represent the 8 Beattitides. The 9th day gives us the 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit in the guise of nine ladies dancing. This day, Jan 2, honors St Basil the Great and St Gregory of Nazianzen, both from the 4th century.

All of this celebrating is leading us closer and closer to Epiphany, the revelation of Christ to the Magi, said to be the first Gentiles who came seeking Christ. The 10th day of Christmas is brighter still as it memorializes the day Jesus would have been officially named in the Temple, thus fulfilling what the angel told Mary. It seems fitting that the 10 lords a leaping stand for the 10 commandments since Jesus birth, life, death, and resurrection fulfilled all the Law and the Prophets.

Though my heart is heavy with cares of this world, I have a joy that is growing as I learn more and more about these celebrations of the true 12 days of Christmas. God’s Light burns ever brighter in my Spirit.