Legend has it that in England those of the Roman Catholic persuasion were forbidden from practicing and teaching their faith. This carol, then, became a "singing catechism" for the Catholic British. I will express my doubts about this because it seems, as the gifts are explained to me, that there is nothing that Christians of all stripes and persuasions would not "believe, teach, or confess." Why one group should have to go into hiding to confess beliefs that the opposition also accepted seems rather peculiar. Had there been mention of the pope or saints or Mary, then I would understand.
A possibility could be the Puritan rule in England which forbad the celebration of Christmas because of the drunkenness and rowdiness that had become a part of Christmas. Here again I express my doubts, because singing is a very public activity and would get anybody in trouble in that time period.
However, I do like that people have attached symbolism to the gifts regardless of the origins. Thus, for these twelve days of Christmas I will use this song like a catechism to teach the basic truths of Christianity. And in this endeavor we shall combine two elements of Lutheranism-congregational singing and the catechism, or enchiridion (literally "hand book"). Luther returned the proclamation of the Word to the laity by reintroducing lay singing in the churches, using poet lyrics and familiar tunes (even if he had to modify drinking songs), and by the Small Catechism so that the "head of the household can teach his children."
The carol explains who does the action and to whom the action is done. This giving is done at Christmas, when God the Father fulfilled his promise to send a Savior from sin ("You shall call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" Matthew 1:21).
"My true love" refers to the bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Perhaps the sweetest picture of the relationship of Christ to the Church is as a bride and bridegroom. Solomon's Song of Songs illustrates this picture the best. If you haven't already, read the Song of Solomon. Interestingly the Song of Solomon was read every Passover and hence Jesus uses the imagery of marriage during Passover (see Matthew 22:1-14, 23-33; 25:1-13, and John 14:1-4).
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