I have asked my ministerial husband, Dr. John, to write a series on the 12 Days of Christmas in accordance with the Spiritual meaning of this famous song.  He has agreed, and sought and received permission from Dennis Bratcher, Executive Director of the CRI/Voice Institute, to excerpt and quote portions of the Institute's excellent analysis of The Twelve Days of Christmas.  I know you'll enjoy this series!

Here's an easy link to Day 7

On the 8^th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...eight Maids A-milking.

This is clearly the eight beatitudes.  As Dennis points out: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) ...those who mourn, 3) ...the meek, 4) ...those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) ...the merciful, 6) ...the pure in heart, 7) ...the peacemakers, 8) ...those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake." Matt 5:3-10)

Let's look at these for a moment with respect to the return for the possession of the beatitude, for Jesus taught that for every Christian "character trait" there is a "spiritual reward" found on earth or in heaven.  What a hopeful teaching for people that remains for all time.

    ³Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

   ⁴Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

   ⁵Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

   ⁶Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

   ⁷Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

   ⁸Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

   ⁹Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

   ¹⁰Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus taught a story of living and one for a life thereafter in the beatitudes.  Looking at yourself in this ofttimes rugged business of real estate, how frequently do you get an opportunity to express your Christian beatitudes in your worldly profession?  It's a thoughtful question to ask as the celebration of Jesus' birth is upon us. 

Please feel urged to share your "real estate beatitudes" with us this Christmas season. 

God bless you, and Merry Christmas!