Bible Reading: Isaiah 11:1-3
Let’s continue exploring the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. Today we’re going to talk about the line “seven swans a-swimming”
The seven swans stand for the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit found in Isaiah 1:1-3 – “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD – and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears.” Here’s a list of the gifts mentioned in these verses:
* Wisdom (the ability to use knowledge well).
* Understanding of the Christian faith.
* Counsel (right judgement).
* Knowledge of God’s ways and plans.
* Fortitude (courage).
* Piety (the desire to serve and worship God out of love, not just duty).
* Fear of the Lord (deeply respecting God).
These gifts are priceless. No one can buy them. No one can trade or barter to receive them. The only way to receive these gifts is to invite the Holy Spirit to be a part of your life by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Once you’ve made this commit to God, His Holy Spirit will enter your life bringing these gifts with Him. It’s then up to us to accept these gifts and use them to honor God with all we say and do.
Have you committed your heart and life to God by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If so, you have received these gifts. Use them well!
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. [8] This is why it says: ‘When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.’” Ephesians 4:7 & 8
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gifts of the Spirit. Help me to use them well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.