This week we meditated on God meeting us in our fear; May these reflections and activities bless you on your advent journey. + Pastor Pam
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” Luke 1:46
I like to think of Mary as being a human being. An ordinary person with an extraordinary faith. Some even think of her as “too perfect a person to relate to.” The one favoured by God and chosen for the special mission of being the Mother of Jesus. She realizes God has chosen her for a relationship never before experienced. She accepts God as the giver of all that she has. Her faith is without reservation. As individuals we can celebrate the impossible made possible by God.
When I feel insecure about my ability to handle things, I want to remember Mary. I’ll remember that God hand picks us for our unique roles and then accept that role given me as an honour. When my future looks bleak, I must remember that Mary knew much about what lay in her future and she still said “yes”, knowing God would sustain and carry her through it all. When I face loss of family, friends, a way of life and other things precious to me, I will remember Mary’s loss…. and her words of whole-hearted acceptance, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.”
When I see Mary in the nativity, I think of a plain, ordinary woman with a great faith who not only gave us the gift of Jesus through whom we receive forgiveness, but also for the saints, the ordinary people whose lives give us the courage to live out our faith in your kingdom here on earth.
Marlene Dietz
Prayer: God of love, thank you for Mary and her bold spirit in the midst of life’s difficulties. May her song stay in our hearts and give us courage. Amen.
Hot Eggnog: This recipe comes from Pastor Pam. Her mom made this as a special treat around this time of year. When things became too hectic we would sit in the late afternoon or evening and slow down with this treat. Hope you enjoy it. The trick is to add the hot milk to the egg yolks without cooking them!
Ingredients
2 eggs
4 tablespoons sugar
1 pint whole milk
½ cup heavy cream (optional)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
If desired, add ½ cup brandy, Bourbon, rum or Sherry
Directions
Separate egg whites and yolk, and reserve. Place yolks in mixing bowl, and whisk until light and smooth. Add 2 tablespoons sugar, and beat yolks again until well incorporated. Set aside.
In separate bowl, add egg whites and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Whisk until peaks form. Set aside.
In small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine milk (and cream if using), vanilla, nutmeg and salt. Stir in zig-zag fashion until steam begins to rise and small bubbles appear. Remove from heat.
Slooooowly pour warm milk mixture into beaten egg yolks, and stir constantly to not cook eggs. (My mom added the milk by Tablespoon size portions) Add a few drops of vanilla, or brandy or desired spirits, and continue to stir. Fold egg white mixture into nog. Ladle into 2 mugs. Top with (fresh grated) nutmeg for garnish. Serves 2.
finding Grace in Surprising Ways 