That ‘12 days of Christmas’ song includes a lot of birdlife. Seven swans are swimming. Six geese are laying. Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree. That’s quite an assembly of avian choristers chirping out the carols. But for me, all I’ve had now for twelve days straight, is one calling bird outside my window, that chirps incessantly – same volume, same pitch, same frequency. My son suggested we buy a cat.

I should be thankful, and full of sympathy. And I should be recognizing in that bird a kindred spirit. For that is what I am to be. And that is what I am to do. With perseverance, constancy and determination. Keeping at my post. Raising my voice. Staying on song. And especially at Christmas time. And so here it is, though the swans, geese, hens, doves, and partridge must be carolling outside someone else’s window:

The Saviour of the world is here! Immanuel has come! The Virgin did conceive and bear a Son! The Word became flesh and dwelt among us! The Holy Child who is lying in the manger is Lord of all! His name is Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins! O come all ye faithful! Come to Bethlehem and see what God has done! Note the star that heralds his birth. Hear the angels who herald his coming. See the wise men bearing their gifts, fit for a king. Joy to the world!