I bet if someone wished you a Merry Christmas today, you would probably do a double take. So allow me. Merry Christmas! You might be thinking…Seriously you’re almost two weeks late. Today is the twelfth and final day in the season of Christmas. Tomorrow is the feast of the Epiphany and as the older saints may say, Old Christmas. "On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, twelve drummers drumming." In “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the twelve drummers represent the twelve doctrines or articles of the Apostles' Creed.
The Apostles' Creed is a statement of Christian faith which is used widely in many liturgical denominations. In some African Methodist Episcopal Churches, it is read as an affirmation of faith right before the scripture lessons for the day are read. In the Episcopal Church, it is used in the daily offices of prayer and meditation and is very commonly recited at funerals. The twelve articles of the Apostles' Creed are:
The Apostles' Creed is a statement of Christian faith which is used widely in many liturgical denominations. In some African Methodist Episcopal Churches, it is read as an affirmation of faith right before the scripture lessons for the day are read. In the Episcopal Church, it is used in the daily offices of prayer and meditation and is very commonly recited at funerals. The twelve articles of the Apostles' Creed are:
- 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 to the dead.
- On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and it 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.
The Apostles' Creed sums up our belief in a beautiful way. Whether your denomination includes it in worship, or not, take time to embrace it. On a side bar, saying “I believe in the holy Catholic Church” does not affirm your loyalty to Catholicism, the Pope or the Blessed Virgin in any way. The Word catholic means universal. The Church is an entity that is comprised of saints both living and deceased which transcend time and space. If you believe in a racially diverse and unified holy church, you’re catholic. Merry Christmas! In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Peace and Christmastide Blessings,
Karsten
No comments:
Post a Comment