The twelve days of Christmas do not wind down but reach their climax with the Feast of the Epiphany.  It marks the revealing of God’s presence among us to the whole of humanity represented by the Wise Men.  This will unfold, once the child Jesus has matured in his human nature, with his baptism at the hands of John and then his public ministry.  It might surprise you to know that before the reforms to the liturgical calendar in 1969 Epiphany had a higher ‘ranking’ than Christmas.  In Italy it is the day children traditionally receive their gifts.  Mass will be celebrated at the usual Holy Day times: Kelvedon 10.00 a.m.; Coggeshall 6.00 p.m.; Tiptree 7.30 p.m. The carol ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ also culminates on this day with an avalanche of presents!  It has been suggested that this had its origin during Penal Times and was a mnemonic to enable Catholics to pass on the central elements of the Faith:

The Partridge in the Pear Tree is Jesus Christ.

The 2 Turtle Doves are The Old and New Testaments.

The 3 French hens are Faith, Hope and Charity, the theological virtues.

The 4 Calling Birds are the four gospels and/or the four evangelists.

The 5 Golden Rings are the first five books of the Old Testament.

The 6 Geese A-laying are the six days of creation.

The 7 Swans A-swimming are the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments.

The 8 Maids A-milking are the eight beatitudes.

The 9 Ladies Dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The 10 Lords A-leaping are the ten commandments.

The 11 Pipers Piping are the eleven faithful apostles.

The 12 Drummers Drumming are the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.