Day 12 (January 5) – Twelve Drummers Drumming
Theme: The Twelve Points of the Apostles' Creed
Eve of the Epiphany
Opening Prayer
Gather as a family or individually. Light a white or gold candle.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.
(The Apostles' Creed – prayed slowly and reverently)
Scripture Reading
Read slowly and prayerfully:
Matthew 16:13–19 (Peter's Confession of Faith)
“Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’... And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church...”
Reflection
The twelfth and final gift from our True Love (God) is twelve drummers drumming, symbolizing the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed – the ancient, rhythmic summary of Christian belief.
- Drummers provide a steady, victorious beat that rallies hearts — just as the Creed proclaims the essential truths of faith with bold confidence, forming the drumbeat of Catholic doctrine through the ages.
- These twelve articles encompass the Trinity, Christ's life and work, the Church, forgiveness, and eternal life — equipping us to live and share the Gospel.
On this eve of Epiphany, as the Magi near the Christ Child, the Creed reminds us of the faith we profess and the light we carry to the nations.
Questions for Personal or Family Reflection
- Which article of the Apostles' Creed speaks most deeply to me today?
- How does professing the Creed "drum" the truths of faith into my daily life?
- As Christmastide concludes tomorrow with Epiphany, how will I carry the light of these twelve days into the new year?
Practical Activities for Catholics
- Prepare for Epiphany
Bless your home with the traditional Epiphany chalk blessing (20 + C + M + B + 26), praying for Christ's protection. - Sing Together
Sing the full “The Twelve Days of Christmas” – all twelve verses! Celebrate completing the journey with joy. Follow with “We Three Kings.” - Act of Charity
Proclaim the faith: share one article of the Creed with someone, pray for those who struggle to believe, or support catechists teaching the faith. - Closing Prayer – Prayer for Day 12
O Triune God, source of all truth,
Thank You for the resounding gift of the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed,
like twelve drummers drumming the heartbeat of our faith.
Strengthen me to believe, profess, and live these truths wholeheartedly.
As the Magi sought Your Son, draw all nations to worship Him.
May the light of Christmas shine through me always.
Mary, Star of the New Evangelization, pray for us.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Congratulations on completing the Twelve Days!
Tomorrow, celebrate the Epiphany with joy—the manifestation of Christ to the world.
A blessed and merry Christmastide to you!