From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Eachelement in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. For example, the partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. The two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments, and the three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love.
However, the one that caught my attention were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit; Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. These "fruits" are very bountiful indeed! This year, as a Christmas gift, I will be teaching our children about these fruits and how to apply them as best they can. A gift of love. Hopefully they will one day reap the rewards!
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