The Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 6
“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth...”
December 30
Reflections for the Twelve Days of Christmas
Day 6: ‘Six Geese A-Laying’
Dear Faithful in Christ,
Grace and Peace to you. Follow me on this sixth day of Christmastide reflections.
Day SIX: The ‘six geese a-laying’ could connect to the six days of God’s activity during creation. The image of geese laying eggs as a sign of procreation aligns well with the Creation story itself.
The activity of Creation is a reminder that God took precision and care to create a world with natural balance, with living things to tend, watch over, and care for – all indicating the design of a Divine Being as its Architect.
On the first day, the concept of ‘day’ was created [Gen. 1:3-5]. A day begins in the evening continuing to the daylight time [Gen. 1:5b]. On the second day, the atmosphere and sky were created [Gen. 1:6-8] which both provide sustenance with air and protection from space debris. Interestingly, the sky also creates a unique veil to outer space during the day which is revealed at night when the stars are visible. On the third day, God created land and sea, as well as vegetation [Gen. 1:9-12]. Just as with Light and Dark, God creates a delineation between dry land and the seas; such a separation enables us to appreciate both more deeply. On the fourth day, the stars, the sun, the moon, and heavenly bodies were created [Gen. 1:14-18]. On the fifth day, God generated the fish, sea creatures, and birds [Gen. 1:20-22]. God even blessed these creatures. On the sixth day, God made all land animals, insects, as well as humanity [Gen. 1:24-28].
“God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.”
The very foundations of the earth as well as the heavens above were placed before humanity to steward and tend with care. Imagine how we might borrow a tool from a neighbor and use it more delicately than our own so that we may honor its master. How much more, then, should we honor our Lord of Heaven and Earth!
May we cherish the beautiful gift of creation and revere God with proper and due care of all of nature.
In the Peace of Christ,
Fr. Michael
A Collect for Stewardship of Creation
The Book of Common Prayer, 208
O merciful Creator, thy hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us, we beseech thee, ever thankful for thy loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
