Lyrics
Verse 1
On the first day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
He gave me the victory.
Verse 2
On the second day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
two shoutin' shoes and He gave me the victory.
Verse 3
On the third day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
three prayin' preachers,
two shoutin' shoes,
and He gave me the victory.
Verse 4
On the fourth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
four mighty missionaries,
three prayin' preachers,
two shoutin' shoes,
and He gave me the victory.
Verse 5
On the fifth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
five songs to sing,
four mighty missionaries,
three prayin' preachers,
two shoutin' shoes,
and He gave me the victory.
Verse 6
On the sixth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
six musicians playing,
five songs to sing,
four mighty missionaries,
three prayin' preachers,
two shoutin' shoes,
and He gave me the victory.
Verse 7
On the seventh day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
seven days of praying,
six musicians playing,
five songs to sing,
four mighty missionaries,
three prayin' preachers,
two shoutin' shoes,
and He gave me the victory.
Verse 8
On the eighth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
eight angels watching,
seven days of praying,
six musicians playing,
five songs to sing,
four mighty missionaries,
three prayin' preachers,
two shoutin' shoes,
and He gave me the victory.
Verse 9
On the ninth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
nine wise deacons,
eight angels watching,
seven days of praying,
six musicians playing,
five songs to sing,
four mighty missionaries,
three prayin' preachers,
two shoutin' shoes,
and He gave me the victory.
Verse 10
On the tenth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
ten voices harmonizing,
nine wise deacons,
eight angels watching,
seven days of praying,
six musicians playing,
five songs to sing,
four mighty missionaries,
three prayin' preachers,
two shoutin' shoes,
and He gave me the victory.
Verse 11
On the eleventh day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
eleven willing workers,
ten voices harmonizing,
nine wise deacons,
eight angels watching,
seven days of praying,
six musicians playing,
five songs to sing,
four mighty missionaries,
three prayin' preachers,
two shoutin' shoes,
and He gave me the victory.
Verse 12
On the twelfth day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me,
twelve months to lift Him,
eleven willing workers,
ten voices harmonizing,
nine wise deacons,
eight angels watching,
seven days of praying,
six musicians playing,
five songs to sing,
four mighty missionaries,
three prayin' preachers,
two shoutin' shoes,
and He gave me the victory.
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Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Keith Wonderboy Johnson reshapes the familiar Christmas counting song as a gospel celebration of gifts associated with Christian life. Victory in Jesus anchors every verse, while the accumulating list names preaching, mission, prayer, music, service, and praise. The playful structure keeps returning to the same source of gratitude: Christ gives the victory that supports every other expression of worship.
Each added item widens the picture of church life. Missionaries carry the message outward, preachers proclaim it, musicians and voices lead praise, and willing workers serve. Angels add a biblical Christmas image, while the final promise of twelve months of exaltation extends praise beyond a holiday observance. The lyric therefore treats Christmas as an occasion for ongoing gratitude rather than an isolated celebration. Its repeated pattern also makes participation central, with prayer, song, proclamation, and service appearing together. The biblical connection is clearest in the declaration of victory through Jesus and in the call to offer praise continually in his name.
Related Scripture
- 1 Corinthians 15:57 Paul gives thanks to God for victory through Jesus Christ.
- Hebrews 13:15 The verse calls for continual praise to God through Jesus.
- Luke 2:13-14 Angels praise God at the announcement of Jesus’ birth.