Eighth Day of Christmas

Here’s a brief blog series on each of the 12 days of Christmas, with Christian meanings.

 

On the eighth day of Christmas, my True Love [God] gave to me:

Maids a-milking

Eight Beatitudes

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  

(Matthew 5:3-10)

 

In Matthew’s gospel, this is the first public teaching Jesus offers.  Matthew shows forth Jesus as the King of the Kingdom of heaven.  So He defines His kingdom here.

 

1 - The humble attain the kingdom.

2 - God’s kingdom brings comfort.

3 - It is a vast inheritance.

4 – It is characterized by righteousness that satisfies

5 – Mercy abounds

6 – It means purity, and seeing God Himself

7 – It means peace, and adoption as God’s children

8 – Those persecuted for doing good attain the kingdom of God

 

And, from the first word of each, the kingdom of God brings blessing.  We tend to use this word to mean general well-being, but let these eight characteristics define blessing more specifically and biblically in your understanding.

 

See Matthew 13 and 25 for other stories from the King about what His Kingdom is like.