Sam Mylin, a member of Grace Church at Willow Valley, a Grace Brethren congregation in Lancaster, Pa. (John F. Smith, pastor), has been creating a series of paintings based on the Christmas song, The 12 Days of Christmas, for the last twelve years. This year, the last painting will be unveiled and the series displayed together for the final time.
1 – A Partridge in a Pear Tree (2002)
presented to Pastor Bob and Dorothy Kern
Meaning: Jesus Christ on the Cross! Why a pear tree? Because a pear is the size of the human heart!
2 – Two Turtle Doves (2003)
presented to Pastor John and Sharon Smith
Meaning: The Old and New Testaments. Why is this important? Because the Bible is God’s authority and work together!
3 – Three French Hens (2004)
presented to Brian and Diane Ressler and family
Meaning: “The Trinity God head” and “Hope, Faith, Love.” Why French Hens? Because hens stick together, but work produce life!
4 – Four Calling Birds (2005)
presented to Pastor Shannon and April Hollinger and family
Meaning: The Four Gospels ( Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). What are they calling? The gospel of Jesus Christ is an invitation to a new relationship with your Creator. New Life! Why are they calling? To bring life to a dying world.
5 – Five Golden Rings (2006)
presented to Lisa and Cary Vogt and family
Meaning: The Pentatuch (first five books of the Old Testament). Why rings? Because they connect us with the beginning, deliverance, law, accountability, and obedience! And these books are eternal, never ending!
6 – Six Geese a Laying (2007)
presented to Ted and Janet Long and family
Meaning: The six days of Creation! Why is creativity so important? Because we were MADE in HIS image! Creativity is not a gift. Creativity is a “given”! We need to reflect our Maker!
7 – Seven Swans a Swimming (2008)
presented to Rich and Edie Landis and family
Meaning: the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Why swans? Because swans are beautiful, majestic, and even as they swim, they do it gracefully. We do not see their feet working, but they are yet we see the beauty.
8 – Eight Maids a Milking (2009)
presented to Christina and Dave Hay and family
Meaning: The Beattitudes. What does a cow have to do with Christmas? The Sermon on the Mount was milk for those who listened that day. It was new teaching! New thinking! Jesus spoke of heart issues and more! Like a cow producing milk, we must daily return to the mount for our nourishment!
9 – Nine Ladies Dancing (2010)
presented to Dottie Klase and family
Meaning: The Nine Fruit of the Spirit. Dancing? The fruit of the Spirit is always moving, growing, and never spoils. It gives energy and nourishment to our soul to live with so much rottenness of our world.
10 – Ten Lords a Leaping (2011)
presented to Jan and Sheldon Shetter
Meaning: The Ten Commandments. What is this leaping? Very simply put, Jesus took these ten commandments and made them two. “Love God with ALL of your heart, mind, soul,and strength. Love others as you love yourself!” Remember, you are made in the image of a living God!
11- Eleven Pipers Piping (2012)
presented to Dennis and Peg Jefferies
Meaning: The eleven Apostles. Apostles? What is that? Apostles were those who walked with Jesus. Lived with Jesus. And knew Him face to face! They are the pillars of what we call the church. They were used by God to establish the ministry of Jesus Christ. They all for except one died for what they believed
And they witnessed the life of the Greatest Man who ever and still lives!
12 – Twelve Drummers Drumming (2013)
presented to (God knows)
Meaning: The Twelve Points of the Apostles Creed. Why Drums? Because people begin to believe when they see the beat of a life of an on fire BELIEVING person. One who walks in step with their Creator and Maker. Time is running out. It is time to start looking up! Believe in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for He is the only way to the Father! Do you Believe? Do you really Believe? For our God believes is us. He loves us and walks with us daily! Can you feel the beat?