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12 Days of Christmas: Day 8

© John L. Hoh, Jr.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

The eight maids a milking were the eight beatitudes.

In Matthew chapter 5 is Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. This sermon begins with eight statements that begin with the word "Blessed." In Latin they were called "Beatitudes" and that name for these statements remains.

The five statements are:

1Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.

Mary had sung: for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name. (Luke 1:48, 49) Jesus speaks: But many who are first will be last, and the last first.(Mark 10:31). David speaks about a "broken and contrite heart [God] will not despise." It is when we are poor in spirit and broken by sin and guilt do we appreciate and eagerly accept the Gospel.

Paul writes how this was exhibited in his life:

though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. (Philippians 3:4-7)

Earlier in his letter to the Philippians Paul had urged: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3, 4)

2Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Many pastors I know would rather preach at a funeral than do a wedding. It may seem strange, since a wedding is joyful and a funeral sad. But the Gospel finds fertile ground among those mourning rather than those in joy. In my own church we have seen tragic deaths that have led survivors and friends of survivors to seek to know more about their Savior and have their children baptized.

In the Gospel message we find comfort in that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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