The “True Love” mentioned in the song doesn’t refer to an earthly suitor, but it refers to God Himself. The “me” who receives the presents refers to every believer. The seven swans-a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion. The evidence of the Spirit’s presence is given to each person for the common good of everyone. The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak with wisdom. The same Spirit gives another person the ability to speak with knowledge. To another person the same Spirit gives {courageous} faith. To another person the same Spirit gives the ability to heal. Another can work miracles. Another can speak what God has revealed. Another can tell the difference between spirits. Another can speak in different kinds of languages. Another can interpret languages. There is only one Spirit who does all these things by giving what God wants to give to each person. 1 Cor 12:7-11 (GW) God in his kindness gave each of us different gifts. If your gift is speaking God’s word, make sure what you say agrees with the Christian faith. If your gift is serving, then devote yourself to serving. If it is teaching, devote yourself to teaching. If it is encouraging others, devote yourself to giving encouragement. If it is sharing, be generous. If it is leadership, lead enthusiastically. If it is helping people in need, help them cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8 (GW)
PURPOSE IN THE CROSSES
Riding down the highway enroute to my cousin’s funeral, one of my sisters asked me, “What do the three crosses mean alongside the road?” I hadn’t seen the crosses. After she mentioned it, I started looking for them. Shortly thereafter, I spotted one of them. Immediately, I told her that they represented Christ, His crucifixion, and resurrection. Naturally I had to seek out the true meaning of the crosses and why they existed. When I returned home, I jumped on the Internet to find out more.
I discovered that Rev. Bernard Coffindaffer, a Methodist pastor, and retired coal washing business owner, had started erecting these crosses along the highways in September 1984. After two heart surgeries, Coffindaffer liquidated his business and stopped working. Two years later he received a vision with explicit instructions to plant crosses for the world to see. For the next nine years until his death in 1993, Coffindaffer planted 1,864 clusters of crosses throughout 29 states, the District of Columbia, Zambia, and the Philippines. Coffindaffer felt that the wealth he had amassed over his 35-year career in the coal industry was for him to fulfill the true purpose for his life.
What intrigued me the most is that it wasn’t important to Coffindaffer that he had amassed wealth as a business owner, but that after decades he truly understood his purpose. His wealth was just a conduit to be used to fulfill the mandate on his life.
I do believe that each of us at some time in our lives are given instructions about why we’re created. Some will heed them, and some will not. Those that don’t will leave this world without fulfilling their purpose. Yet, there will be others who will embrace it with passion as Coffindaffer did. That is not to say that they will have fame or fortune, but they will use the gifts and talents God has given them to fulfill their purpose and touch the lives of others.
You see, fulfilling your purpose is more about God than it is about you. Our gifts, talents and resources are used for God’s glory. Along the way, we lose sight of what our sojourn on this earth is all about. It is when you begin to understand that your existence is bigger than you. Each of us will leave a legacy behind. The legacy you leave will be determined by your moral convictions and values. It will also be determined by your relinquishing your will to God’s will and using your gifts and talents for a Kingdom agenda and not your own.
Coffindaffer realized his true meaning for being, even though the dictates of this world defined him as already a success. He moved from this world’s view of success to God’s. The interesting thing about it is that he did not have a huge staff to help him. Daily operations were fulfilled by him and a secretary. The crosses were erected by people who volunteered their sweat, tears, and time. Even in death Coffindaffer’s purpose does not end, because others have picked up the mantle to continue the work he started. Your purpose exceeds your earthly existence.
The next time you are riding down the highway and you see those three crosses, take a moment to reflect on their true meaning. We know that they are to remind us about the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, but they should also make you reflect on your purpose. If you do not know your purpose, it’s time for you to take a moment and ask God, “Why was I created? What are my gifts and talents? Really, you don’t have to wait for the ride up the highway. You can stop and ask Him now.
- Your purpose comes from God. No one knows your purpose but God, because He is the one that created you.
- Seek and ask God what your purpose is. He is the purpose giver and the purpose revealer. Sometimes God is trying to tell us our purpose, but we are too afraid to hear, not to mention to walk in it.
- Your purpose has nothing to do with fame and fortune, but it has all to do with your obedience to God as you pursue it with passion and fervency.
- Your purposeful assignment is beyond you. Your purpose is always in a particular geographic location, or locations; and it is always connected to people. God didn’t create us to be alone. It is serving your neighbor with your gifts and talents.
- Your purpose is revealed to you early in life. Every talent and gift that God has given you is entrenched in your purpose. At some point when you were young, God revealed it to you. If you ask Him, He will take you back to the place of the first mention of your purpose.
- Your purpose has nothing to do with whether or not you can finance it or not. It is who God has created you to be. When you begin to walk in your purpose, God will do what is necessary in propelling you to achieve it.
- Your purpose outlives you. The legacy that we leave has more to do with making this world a better place. God instructed us to subdue, replenish, increase, and take dominion. Our purpose should expand the Kingdom agenda in sharing the love of God as we live out the greatest two commandments—to love God with all our hearts, minds, and souls and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.
I do hope that you enjoy this gift of love on the seventh day of Christmas. It is my desire that these words of encouragement will propel you further down your path of success.
Enjoy Your Gift!
Jacqui Showers
The Bold Encourager
Business Encouragement Coach
Showers' Blessing Inspires 
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