The Third Day of Christmas
On this third day of Christmas, are you expecting three French hens from your true love? According to the English carol “Twelve Days of Christmas,” the third-day gift box also includes two turtledoves and a partridge in a pear tree. Perhaps you prefer the “VeggieTales Eight Polish Foods of Christmas” meaty gift pack with three simmered gołąbkis, two steamed pierogies and a boiled potato topped with dill weed[1].
Many of us have happy memories of singing these cumulative songs, which are silly and fun. Others of us may have used these songs as a “memory and forfeit” game in which the one who forgets the lyric must pay a penalty — usually a penny, a piece of candy or a kiss.
The lectionary reading for this third day of Christmas includes a song for us, too. The “Magnificat[2]” is Mary’s spontaneous, Spirit-filled response to the blessings spoken over her by Elizabeth. She begins with praise and adoration. Mary then expresses her complete confidence in the future work of God to fulfill His promises to redeem the world. Her faith is rooted in the certainty of His character and nature, specifically His holiness and mercy.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on the lowly state of His servant.”[3] This first stanza of Mary’s song focuses almost entirely on God’s grace. With her whole being, she marvels that the God of the universe would look upon her with favor. As she continues to sing, she recalls His faithfulness to Abraham and every successive generation. She believes that He has acted redemptively in the past and will act redemptively in the future.
Using the “Magnificat” as a template, I encourage you to write your own “Third Day of Christmas” song. Consider God’s grace in your own life. Recall His faithfulness to you and to those whom you love. Have confidence that our holy God is merciful and redemptive. Sing it to your True Love.
[1] VeggieTales 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD
[2] Luke 1:46b–55
[3] Luke 1:46b–48a
