“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.” Luke 6:12-16 (NIV)
Reflection:
The eleven pipers represent the faithful apostles who spread the Gospel. Reflect on how you are called to live out and share your faith.
Questions to Ponder:
- How do I feel called to share my faith with others?
- What can I learn from the apostles’ example?
The eleventh day of Christmas brings us to the “eleven pipers piping,” a joyful image that calls to mind the eleven faithful apostles. These were the ones who, despite fear and failure, carried forth the melody of Christ’s gospel to a world yearning for redemption. Their lives were songs of faith, imperfect yet powerful, and their example invites us to ask: What is the melody our lives are piping for God today?
A Faithful Song Amid Brokenness
The eleven apostles were not flawless. Each of them stumbled, doubted, and struggled in their walk with Christ. Even after His resurrection, some doubted (Matthew 28:17). Yet, these same individuals were entrusted with the Great Commission. They were empowered not because of their perfection but because of their willingness to follow Jesus in humility and trust.
This is a profound encouragement for modern Christians. Our faith journeys are rarely pristine. We wrestle with doubt, confront failure, and often feel unworthy. But just as the apostles became instruments of God’s grace, so too can we. Our imperfections do not disqualify us from joining the symphony of faith; they enrich it.
The Melody of the Gospel
The image of pipers piping evokes a sense of movement and joy. The apostles carried the Good News across the world, piping a melody that proclaimed freedom to the captives, sight to the blind, and life to the dead. This was not a quiet or subdued faith; it was dynamic, vibrant, and irresistible.
For Christians today, this imagery challenges us to examine the tune we’re playing in our daily lives. Are we proclaiming a gospel of hope and reconciliation, or has our faith become muted by fear, complacency, or busyness? The apostles remind us that our faith is not just for us—it is meant to resonate outward, inviting others into the harmony of God’s kingdom.
Faith in a Disrupted World
In a world marked by division, disillusionment, and distraction, piping the melody of the apostles’ faith can feel daunting. Yet, it is precisely in such times that the gospel is most needed. Like the apostles, we are called to step into the brokenness of the world, bringing a song of hope that points to Jesus.
This doesn’t mean standing on street corners with a literal pipe or microphone. Instead, it might look like showing radical kindness, speaking truth in love, or living with integrity when the world tells us to compromise. It’s about letting Christ’s love flow through our words, actions, and presence.
Reflection Questions
- What “melody” is your life piping to those around you?
- How might God be calling you to share the gospel more boldly or joyfully in your daily context?
- What lessons can you draw from the apostles’ faithfulness despite their imperfections?
- In what ways might fear, doubt, or complacency be muting the song God wants you to play?
As we reflect on the eleven pipers piping, let’s ask for the courage and grace to join in their song, proclaiming the melody of Christ’s love to a world waiting to hear.