"Merry Christmas, Carol"

Walking out of the office last Friday, I was heralded by a familiar Christmas Tune, "The Twelve Days Of Christmas." I've heard that song every holiday season for the last 55 years or so. I've sung it, and listened to it being sung many, many times. It's really long....twelve verses. And, although it's on the Hit Parade of Holiday Classics, I will never remember how many Leaping Lords or Ladies Dancing there are supposed to be. The only phrase I always get right is the Five Gold Rings verse. Actually, past five and I'm lost.
The song has a bit of history. It's been around since the 1700s, in one form or another, but it is not a 16th century secret catechism lesson. Someone in the early 1990's started that Internet Legend.  And, there is no factual theological symbolism in the numbers. However, if you want to believe the Three French Hens are really Faith, Hope and Charity, then go right ahead.
The 12 Days of Christmas actually begin on Christmas Day, not twelve days before. They end on Twelfth Night (January 5th). Centuries ago, gifts were exchanged on St. Stephen's Day, December 16th, Twelfth Night and some of the days in-between. Today, of course, we give the whole wad on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning.
By Epiphany (ETA of the Magi, and the beginning of the Gift Giving tradition), January 6th, when the Twelve Days are officially over, most of us have all of our wreaths and trees stored away until next year. We are already looking ahead to St.Valentine's Day!
However, if you feel the need to get your math-juices flowing this Yuletide Season, try adding up all of the gifts in all of the verses. There are quite a few.Then add one more gift. The final gift of Jesus. What number do you come up with?
Think about the meaning of that one!

Oh, my Lord: We get so caught up with this season of giving and receiving. We fuss and worry about buying the right present for everyone on our list. We try to make the holidays bigger and better, every year. More of this and more of that.
Help us to remember the real reason for the season. There is only one gift that matters.
Thank you for coming to us as a tiny child.
Amen.