The Ninth Day of Christmas by Linda Burnett
These twelve days hold a profound significance for Christians as a period of reflection, celebration, and renewed devotion. Far from being just a festive countdown, these days provided the opportunity to meditate on the birth of Jesus Christ and the transformative messsage of the Gospel. This season is a sacred time for me as it centres on three virtues that are the bedrock of my faith; love, joy, and peace.
Love.
The Christmas story is ultimately a story of love – a love so immense that God send His only begotten Son to save humanity (John 3:16). In the quiet humility of the manger, we see the beginning of God’s divine plan to bridge the gap between heaven and earth (1 John 4:7). This love calls us to action, to love others as Christ has loved us. We have to accept His love before we can love others (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37-38). During the twelve days of Christmas, I am reminded to extend that love in tangible ways – whether its through acts of kindness, forgiveness, or simply being present for those who need a word of encouragement or comfort.
Joy.
The angel’s announcement to the shepherds was one of ‘good news of great joy’ (Luke 2:10-11). That joy wasn’t meant for only the shepherds but for all people. In the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to lose sight of the deep and abiding joy that comes from knowing Christ. This joy isn’t dependent on circumstances; it is rooted in the assurance that God is with us – Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14).
For me these twelve days serve as a time to cultivate this joy, to find moments of reflection, of stillness in the faces of loved ones, and to share freely with others.
Peace.
One of the most beautiful titles of Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). His arrival ushered in a peace that transcends human understanding – a peace that reconciles us with God and with one another. During these twelve days I reflect on the peace and calm Christ brings to my life and how I can be a peacemaker in a world that desperately needs it. Whether it’s mending relationships, offering a word of encouragement, or simply being a calming presence (Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27), I am reminded that peace begins with me.
I use these twelve days not just for festivities but a scared time to draw closer to Christ and to embody His love, joy, and peace in my daily life. I am invited to move beyond the surface of holiday traditions and engage with my heart of what Christmas truly means: a God who came near, a Saviour who redeems, and a Spirit who empowers us to live in love, joy, and peace – not just for twelve days, but every day of the year.
You can find a downloadable PDF of this reflection here.
Each day, a new reflection will drop here. We hope you enjoy them and reflect upon, experiencing the presence of Christ in this season.