The Twelfth of Never

The ‘Twelfth of Never’…

…is a song that’s been sung by many singers

…is an expression that defines the date of a future event that will never happen

…describes love that will last forever.

You ask how much I need you, must I explain?
I need you, oh my darling, like roses need rain.
You ask how long I’ll love you; I’ll tell you true:
Until the twelfth of never, I’ll still be loving you.

Often, we hear of love that’s temporary, fleeting, superficial, irresponsible and dependent on the situation; we can fall in and out of love, love comes and goes.

This song speaks of a permanent love that has value and depth; it cannot be defined, measured or restricted by time. It’s a feeling of the heart, intent of the mind and commitment of the life that’s demonstrated in continuing actions.

Hold me close, never let me go.
Hold me close, melt my heart like April snow.

Such love is at the heart of Christian faith.

…There’s a Father-God who lovingly creates a world that he continues to love. He creates people with whom he wants to be in loving, continuing relationship…

…There’s Jesus who comes to show us this love… born in humble love, teaching a practical love, demonstrating compassionate love, suffering in sacrificial love, dying in forgiving love, returning to life in powerful love…

…There’s the Holy Spirit of God who brings this love – joyful love, peaceful love, patient love – to   those who would seek to follow this God.

Jesus talked about loving God, neighbour and self. ‘The Twelfth of Never’ gives me words to express this all-embracing, committed, life-long love – that demands my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength – to God, neighbour and self.  

I’ll love you till the bluebells forget to bloom;
I’ll love you till the clover has lost its perfume.
I’ll love you till the poets run out of rhyme,
Until the twelfth of never and that’s a long, long time.