Family Christmas Night

Earlier this week I was invited to a Family Christmas night and potluck supper called the Agape Meal at the Pentecostal Church.
I was really blessed by the fellowship and warmth of the church people.
They focused on celebrating Christmas as a family. About 7 or 8 families presented Christmas carols. It was fun to see people of all ages - from little children to grandparents participate.
Above is sister K with her husband and daughter.This dear American lady is the Pastor of the church.She leads the church after the death of her father-in-law who was its founder.I am full of admiration for sister K. She is a fine example of perseverance, courage, spiritual strength and leadership.Her assistant Pastor began his ministry in our church, later on he joined her.

This lovely family is reading out Bible promises

for their church.

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The 12 Days Of Christmas

My dear friend Robin had the story behind The Twelve Days Of Christmas on her blog. Gives the song a new meaning

This old and beloved carol is Ireland's very own. During the centuries when it was a crime to be Catholic and to practice one's faith, in public or private, in Ireland and England "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written as a "catechism song" to help young Catholics learn the beliefs of their faith. It was a memory aid when being caught with anything in writing indicating adherence to the Catholic faith could not only get you imprisoned, it could get you hung.
The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person.
A Partridge in a pear tree - Jesus Christ, the son of God.
Two turtle doves - The Old and New Testaments
Three french hens - Faith, Hope and Charity, the theological virtues.
Four calling birds - The four Gospels and/or the four Evangelists.
Five golden rings - The first five books of the Old Testament (The Pentateuch).
Six geese a-laying - Six days of creation.
Seven swans a swimming - The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven Sacraments.
Eight maids a-milking - The eight Beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing - The nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit (sometimes also listed as the nine classifications of angels).
Ten lords a-leaping - The Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers pipering - The eleven faithful apostles.
Twelve drummers drumming - The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed.

courtesy of http://www.irelandnow.com/christmas.html