Almost a year ago, I wrote a post linking to Veronica over at Toddled Dredge because I was impressed that she decorated a cake with Nutella frosting.

That alone qualifies her as a kindred spirit.

Then I noticed her tagline: “Contemplative mom with crackers.”

Once again, I felt a connection–this time with the contemplative thing. Well, and the crackers. Because my kids and I do like crackers…especially with Nutella.

I popped over recently and discovered that she is writing devotional, Bible-study-style posts throughout the 12 days of Christmas. I’ve been impressed by her in-depth analysis of the geneology of Christ as recorded by Matthew.

She introduces the 12 Days of Christmas posts here.

The first day is, appropriately enough, about Jesus, the son of David.

Second, about Tamar.

Third day, Rahab.

Fourth, on Ruth.

Fifth, she was unable to post. Too bad for us, but I totally understand.

Today’s is the Sixth, regarding Bathsheba.

Now, if we were referencing the song, today would be the six geese a’laying.

Years ago, I had heard somewhere that the Twelve Days of Christmas may have intended to use the catchy, repetitive tune and numbers to remind people of various scriptures, books of the Bible, and basic beliefs and truths of our faith. I couldn’t remember what each of the numbers stood for, however, so…a click over to Google, tippity-tap, t-w-e-l-v-e-d-a-y-s-o-f-c-h-r-i-s-t-m-a-s.

*SEARCH*

I arrived here. It provides the possible correlations for each of the numbers.

Today’s six geese can remind us of the six days of creation, confessing God as Creator and Sustainer of the world.

This morning at church, I shook hands with the gentleman sitting next to me and hoped he would have a happy new year’s celebration. He responded, “Well, technically we’re in the midst of the twelve days of Christmas, so we can still say Merry Christmas!”

“Ah, that’s true,” I said. “Until January 6th, right? Epiphany?”

“That’s right!” Our church doesn’t follow a liturgical calendar. I think he was a little surprised that I knew what he was talking about. I should have mentioned the little cake with the bean or almond baked in it–perhaps that would have made even more of an impression. It helps to have married a European. We were in Belgium one year for Epiphany, so The Belgian Wonder’s family went to the bakery to buy a little King’s cake so I could see what it looked–and tasted–like. I guess it was tasty. I can’t remember anything except marveling that they actually baked a bean inside it. One of his nieces got the piece with the bean and triumphantly wore a flimsy paper crown. But, as usual, I digress.

“What’s today?” I asked the man this morning at church. “Is it the fifth day?”

He hurriedly counted and agreed that he thought maybe it was. “Five golden rings, eh?” I said.

He nodded. “Yes, yes. So…Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas!”

I know we were off a day, but do you know what the five golden rings were to remind us of?

You can try to guess. Then click on the link if you haven’t already and scroll down.

With that, late on this sixth day, I bid you good night.

Oh, and as the man at church pointed out, I can still wish you a very Merry Christmas!