"In the cold you wrap me.  In my uncertainty you listen. In all my joys you celebrate.  At every turn you meet me with competence and grace.  What a fine dance we have together."

Mary Anne Radmacher

I once had this epiphany and scribbled down the words that came to my mind.  My intention was to let them marinate and become a poem.  Of course, they still may, but for more than thirty years have yet to inspire more verse.  

They came to me at a time when I had decided never to become involved in another intimate relationship.  Pain from losing my marriage and children was so intense that I vowed a life of celibacy.  I would travel alone.  It was the middle of the night when this phrase came along; ‘Dance, Dance, Dance!  I said celebrate not celibate.’  

Though the words may sound simple or silly, I was changed.  Gradually opening myself to others, I miraculously found the love of my life and we married.  I have been restored to family, children and grandchildren.  Life is good...and it is intended to be a dance of celebration.  This is my lesson of The Ninth Day of Christmas.

The gift of Nine Ladies Dancing from our true love is compelling.  It takes the intimacy of the dance and entwines it into spiritual direction.  We are reminded of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.  This Spirit is God revealed as the interactive dancer who teaches us how to live and love.  We are supposed to be engaged in an active relationship with God and with each other. 

The nine Christmas gifts include; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  A dancer needs a partner.  When there is nobody to dance with there is no relationship or affection.  God needs us and we need God.  So let’s dance.  It is a perfect day to engage.