Contemplative Christmas

Saturday, December 28

The Third Day

Reading:

“And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’” [1]

Reflection:

The gift of the third day of Christmas, in the song, is three French Hens. Traditionally, the three hens represent the virtues of faith, hope, and love, as well as the three gifts of the Magi for the baby Jesus – gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

            The number three often brings to mind three manifestations of God known as the Trinity: Father, Son, and Spirit – or Creator, Created, and Relationship. Three also represents three of the common ways we experience God: beyond us, around us, and within us. As with the apparent dualism of the second day, the three-ness of God does not imply three Gods, but One God manifesting in three unique ways.

            The third day of creation separated the seas from the dry land, allowing vegetation to emerge and providing cover for the land and food for the yet-to-be-created animal kingdom.

Geometrically, two points form a line and three points, a triangle. A line exists in one dimension (length) while a triangle adds a second dimension (length and width). In that sense, the separation of the seas from dry land on the third day added another dimension to life on earth

            The number three symbolizes understanding and stability. Just as a three-legged stool sits stably on nearly any surface, so understanding provides a stabilizing perspective on our sometimes confusing life experiences.

The number three is seen in many common cycles on earth, like past, present, and future or birth, life, and death. Basic musical chords are made up of three notes (first, third, and fifth), which adds a dimension of harmonic fullness not present in individual notes.

The third day of Christmas takes us deeper and more fully into our earthly manifestation as children of God.

Closing Meditation:

In what ways do you experience God as a living presence in your life?

Journal the thoughts and feelings that arise.

This daily series, Contemplative Christmas, is replacing my weekly Life Notes until January 6, 2025, when my weekly blog will resume. The thoughts expressed here are mine. To engage with me: ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Genesis 1:9