Author: Melissa Moody
On the 9th Day of Christmas
Nine ladies dancing symbolizes Nine fruit of the Spirit – Gal. 5:22-23
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is a biblical term that sums up nine attributes of a Christian life according to Saint Paul in his Letter to the Galatians: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Forbearance is restraint, tolerance, patience, resignation, endurance, fortitude, stoicism
8th Day of Christmas
Eight maids a-milking represents Eight beatitudes – Matt. 5-7
The Beatitudes are eight blessings recounted in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. Each is a proverb-like proclamation, without narrative, “cryptic, precise, and full of meaning. Each one includes a topic that forms a major biblical theme”. Four of the blessings also appear in the Sermon on the Plain in the Gospel of Luke, followed by four woes which mirror the blessings.
Each Beatitude consists of two phrases: the condition and the result. In almost every case the condition is from familiar Old Testament context, but Jesus teaches a new interpretation. Together, the Beatitudes present a new set of Christian ideals that focus on a spirit of love and humility. They echo the ideals of the teachings of Jesus on mercy, spirituality, and compassion.
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The eight Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3–12 during the Sermon on the Mount.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted. (5:4)
Blessed are the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled. (5:6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10)
On the 7th day of Christmas
Seven swans a-swimming signifies the Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – Rom. 12:6-8
Year In Search 2016
Light up the Sky by Grace Vanderwaal- America’s Got Talent Winner 2016
Chicago Lakefront Painting Time Lapse
ARTWORK: “Steel and Beach” 24×30 Acrylic + Pen on Canvas, by Anastasia Mak
Purchase prints and / or see more at http://anastasiamak.com/
This time lapse was created over the course of several weeks. The painting is an aerial view of Chicago’s lakefront, with John Hancock Center and surrounding buildings, looking north. My visual reference was a photo that I took from a helicopter. MUSIC TRACK: Amadou & Mariam, “M’ Bifé (Balafon)”
On the 6th Day of Christmas
Six geese a-laying represents six days of creation.
Five Golden Rings
On the 5th Day of Christmas, “five golden rings” represents Five books of Moses. (The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch”, gives the history of man’s fall from grace.)
4th Day of Christmas
On the 4th Day of Christmas “Four calling birds” represents the Four Gospels – Four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Red- Color of Martyrs – Holy Innocents 2016
Pray for the Holy Innocents. More than ever, Souls are relinquished prematurely.
A haunting carol, The Coventry Carol, from a play in the 16th century was imagined to be sung by the mothers whose children have been murdered by Herod at the time Of Christ’s birth as related in the Gospel of Matthew. The play and the song concern the massacre of the young children of Bethlehem at the command of King Herod.
Lullay thou little tiny child,
By, by lully lullay.
O sisters, too how may we do,
For to preserve this day;
This poor youngling for whom we sing,
By by lully lullay.
Herod the king, in his raging
Charged he hath this day;
His men of might in his own sight
All young children to slay.
Then woe is me, poor child for thee
And ever mourn and say;
For thy parting, no say nor sing
By by lully lullay