Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2004. Mattie was two and half years old. By that point in time, Mattie got the whole notion of Christmas and sitting still to capture a photo for a family Christmas card was manageable. When I look at this photo, to me Mattie had the most angelic face! Oh how I wish he were alive, because I have no doubt that our bond and connection would have only grown and he would have been a fierce advocate of his mom!
Quote of the day: When someone is in your heart, they’re never truly gone. They can come back to you, even at unlikely times. ~ Mitch Albom
When we sat down, Cheryl wanted us to know that Dawn, who is our favorite server in Rockville, MD, was paying for our entire meal. Dawn also knows about the issues in my life and truly it is remarkable the kindness and out pouring of love I am receiving, from people who have known me decades and from those who have known me only a few years. They are all here to remind me.... I am special, my life matters to them, I am a loving, caring, compassionate and incredibly strong woman.
The religious wars in sixteenth century England made it dangerous to be a Catholic. Many people practiced their faith in secret. As the legend goes, Catholic families courageously developed unique ways to secretly pass the faith onto their children, like “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The well-known song was used to teach children about the Catholic Church. Although the lyrics may sound like nonsense, the song actually contains hidden references:
The First Day of Christmas: A Partridge in a Pear Tree
A partridge in a pear tree symbolizes Jesus Christ, with the partridge representing Christ's willingness to sacrifice himself and the pear tree symbolizing the cross.
The Second Day of Christmas: Two Turtle Doves
Two turtle doves represents the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the harmony and connection between the two.
The Third Day of Christmas: Three French Hens
Three French hens signifies the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love (or charity).
The Fourth Day of Christmas: Four Calling Birds
Four calling birds symbolizes the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which spread the good news of Christ's life and teachings.
The Fifth Day of Christmas: Five Golden Rings
Five golden rings represents the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Pentateuch or the Torah, emphasizing God's covenant with His people.
The Sixth Day of Christmas: Six Geese A-Laying
Six geese a-laying symbolizes the six days of creation, emphasizing God's power as the creator of the world.
The Seventh Day of Christmas: Seven Swans A-Swimming
Seven swans a-swimming represents the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
The Eighth Day of Christmas: Eight Maids A-Milking
Eight maids a-milking symbolizes the eight Beatitudes preached by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the virtues and blessings of a righteous life.
The Eight Beatitudes:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The Ninth Day of Christmas: Nine Ladies Dancing
Nine ladies dancing represents the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The Tenth Day of Christmas: Ten Lords A-Leaping
Ten lords a-leaping signifies the Ten Commandments, which provide guidance for a moral and righteous life.
The Ten Commandments:
- I am the Lord your God: You shall not have strange gods before me.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
The Eleventh Day of Christmas: Eleven Pipers Piping
The Eleven Faithful Apostles: Peter, Andrew, James the Elder, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the Younger, Simon, and Jude.
The Twelfth Day of Christmas: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Twelve drummers drumming represents the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the core beliefs of Christianity.
The Apostles’ Creed:
- I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
- I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
- He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
- He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.
- On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
- He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
- I believe in the Holy Spirit,
- the holy catholic Church,
- the communion of saints,
- the forgiveness of sins,
- the resurrection of the body,
- and life everlasting. Amen.
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