Bible Reading: Matthew 5:17-20
Turtledoves are small doves. They are named because of the “turr, turr” sound they make.
While turtledoves are small in size, they have a big meaning in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. In this song, the line “two turtledoves” refers to the two parts of the Bible, the Old Testament and the New Testament.
God gave us the gift of His written word in two parts. The Old Testament was first given to the Israelites. It teaches us about life and the world under God’s law, before Jesus came to the earth. The New Testament speaks of God’s new agreement with humans, detailing God’s offer of grace, forgiveness, salvation and new life to those who accept Jesus’ death as the punishment for their sins and His resurrection and gift of the Holy Spirit as the hope of eternal life in heaven.
It’s important to understand that the New Testament doesn’t make the Old Testament obsolete. In Matthew 5:17 & 18 Jesus, Himself, said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”
Wow! Who would have thought that two small turtledoves could represent something so grand?!
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your written word, all of it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.