Church Blog

Mask Update

Masks: Recommended, not Required. Masks are no longer mandated by the state of Wisconsin. Cudahy and Milwaukee County do not have any current restrictions either, but the CDC and the Cudahy Health Department “Safe Practice Guidelines” still recommend mask-wearing when indoors at large gatherings. Realize that some may prefer to wear masks, and some may prefer not to wear them. As Christians, God’s Word speaks to us all, asking that we think about others: “Finally, brothers and sisters, be of…

Twelve Drummers Drumming

The final gift is tied directly to the Christian Church.  The drummers are the 12 points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed.  Just as drums are often used to grab our attention for something important, the 12 drummers of the 12th day of Christmas remind us of 12 important parts of our Christian faith life.  So here are those 12 teachings of our Christian faith listed out:  We believe in One God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.  We believe in Jesus Christ,…

Eleven Pipers Piping

This is almost a trick question, as most think of the disciples in terms of a dozen.  But when Judas betrayed Jesus and committed suicide, there were only 11 men who faithfully carried out the gospel message after the Savior died and rose again.  Like a piper sharing his song, these 11 men faithfully and boldly shared the message of Jesus as he instructed them to do after he ascended back into heaven.  Here is a listing of those 11 men who carried out the Gospel message as listed…

Ten Lords A-Leaping

This is probably the easiest gift to understand.  As lords were judges and in charge of the law, this code for the Ten Commandments was fairly straightforward to Christians.  While the 10 commandments are indeed “law” because they tell us what to do and what not to do, they are also Gospel-motivated because like the 9 virtues mentioned yesterday, they show the things which a Christian desires to do out of love for God.  Perhaps you learned how the 10 commandments can be divided into 2…

Nine Ladies Dancing

These nine dancers were really the gifts known as the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. The fruits are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.   Before we look at each of these fruits, we need to remember that they are fruits “of the Spirit.”  In other words, these are not attributes or characteristics which we naturally have on our own.  These are things which the Holy Spirit produces in us through the working of God’s Word and the Sacraments.  We…

Eight Maids A-Milking

As Christ came to save even the lowest of the low, this gift represents the ones who would receive his Word and be saved by his grace.  Being a milkmaid was about the worst job one could have in England during this period; this code conveyed that Jesus cared as much about servants as he did those of royal blood. The eight who were blessed included the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the…

Seven Swans A-Swimming

It would take someone quite familiar with the Bible to identify this gift.  Hidden in the code are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and compassion as listed in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12.  As swans are one of the most beautiful and graceful creatures on earth, they would seem to be a perfect symbol for the spiritual gifts.  As these various gifts are listed in both Romans and 1 Corinthians, they are preceded by these…