Day 3 (December 27) – Three French Hens
Theme: The Three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity
Feast of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist
Opening Prayer
Gather as a family or individually. Light a white candle.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who through the blessed Apostle John have unlocked for us the secrets of Your Word,
grant, we pray, that we may grasp with proper understanding what he has so marvelously proclaimed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
(Collect from the Mass for the Feast of St. John)
Scripture Reading
Read slowly and prayerfully:
1 Corinthians 13:1–13 (The Primacy of Charity/Love)
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal... So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
John 21:20–24 (The Beloved Disciple)
“Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them... This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.”
Reflection
The third gift from our True Love (God) is three French hens, symbolizing the three theological virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity (Love).
- French hens were rare and valuable in the time of the carol—much like these virtues, precious gifts infused by God into our souls at Baptism.
- Faith: Believing in God and all He has revealed (symbolized by the cross).
- Hope: Confident expectation of eternal life and the graces to attain it (symbolized by the anchor).
- Charity: Loving God above all and our neighbor as ourselves—the greatest virtue, enduring forever in heaven (symbolized by the heart).
On this Feast of St. John, the beloved disciple who rested on Jesus' heart and proclaimed “God is love” (1 John 4:8), we are invited to grow in these virtues. St. John's life of deep faith, hopeful endurance, and selfless charity challenges us to draw closer to Christ's Sacred Heart.
Questions for Personal or Family Reflection
- Which of the three virtues—Faith, Hope, or Charity—do I feel strongest in right now, and which needs more growth?
- Like St. John, how can I lean closer to Jesus' heart through prayer and Scripture?
- In what practical way can I exercise charity today, especially toward someone difficult to love?
Practical Activities for Catholics
- Honor St. John
Bless wine (traditional on this feast) with this prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, who made water into wine at Cana, bless + this wine as You blessed it at the Last Supper. Through the intercession of St. John, grant us health of soul and body.” Then share a small cup as a family. - Sing Together
Sing the first three verses of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”:
“On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.”
Follow with a hymn like “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” or one about God's love. - Act of Charity
Perform a deliberate act of love: write a note of encouragement, help someone in need, or pray for an enemy. Reflect on how this strengthens faith and hope. - Closing Prayer – Prayer for Day 3
O God, Giver of all good gifts,
Thank You for the precious virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity,
like three French hens—rare and valuable treasures for my soul.
Through the intercession of St. John, the Apostle of Love,
increase these virtues in me:
a stronger faith to believe Your truths,
a lively hope in Your promises,
and a burning charity to love You and my neighbor.
May I one day rest forever on Your Sacred Heart.
St. John, beloved disciple, pray for us.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Blessed Feast of St. John! May Faith, Hope, and Charity grow abundantly in your heart this third day of Christmas.
Tomorrow: Four Calling Birds.