On This The 9th Day of Christmas

One of the many aspects of faith is a belief in the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christ sent the Holy Spirit in an answer to ten days of intense prayer.

The Apostles had their faith tested in ways we might not fully understand. Their relationship with Christ was real, as in they walked with him and they talked with him here, on earth. They knew first hand of his death and resurrection. And when Christ ascended into heaven, to be seated at the right hand of the Father, his earlier followers felt very much alone. Filled with fear and uncertainty, the Apostles spent the next ten days in prayer, waiting for a sign. Mary and the Apostles received an answer on Pentecost, when the Holy Spirt came down in the form of tongues of fire. God sends each of us His Holy Spirt. The Holy Spirit guides us; gives us gifts to fulfill God’s call, and the fruits to strengthen our spirit. On this, the Ninth Day of Christmas, we are reminded of the Fruits of the Holy Spirt. When we live according to God’s will, the fruits of the Holy Spirt are plentiful. When we turn away from God, the fruits wither on the vine. These fruits are gifts, but they must be cultivated to reach maturity.

Take a moment to examine the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Are some easier to taste than others? Do some require more attention? I know when I examine my own fruits, it is the fruit of Self-Control that tends to wither on the vine. It’s one I pray on often. How about you?

The Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Faithfulness –
To be faithful requires trust. Trust in ourselves, in others and in the Lord our God.

Gentleness –
Always be gentle with all we meet. Each has a cross to bear. Gentleness will easy that burden in ourselves and in others.

Goodness –
God’s goodness rests in the hearts of all His creation. Sometimes we just need to look beyond the anger and the fear to see it.

Joy –
Find the joy even in the darkest of moments, no matter how small that joy may be. Realize that the path we are on is a journey home.

Kindness –
Kindness illuminates God’s love to the world.

Patience –
Wait patiently, and in time an understanding and purpose will be revealed.

Peace –
A quite soul is a peaceful soul, able to walk with the Lord and hear His whispers.

Love –
To love is to make sacrifices. Selfless sacrifice will yield the sweetest fruits of all.

Self Control –
Be slow to anger, strong in faith and deliberate in action. The reward of self discipline is to walk upright in His light.

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Each of the Twelve Days of Christmas should be celebrated. Life should be celebrated. And what better way is there to celebrate than to gather with family, give thanks to the Lord, and break bread with those we love. Happy Holidays!

Italian Bruschetta Chicken
3 firm Roma Tomatoes
2 Garlic Cloves
1 Shallot, minced
2 tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh Basil
2 boneless Chicken Breasts
Italian Seasoning to taste
1/4 cup White Wine
1/4 tablespoon (pat) Butter
Fresh Basil garnish

Seed and dice tomatoes, place in a small mixing bowl. Peel and grate garlic over tomatoes. Peel and mince shallot, add to the tomato mixture. Add 1 tablespoon Olive Oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss, season with salt and pepper set aside. Thinly slice basil, set aside to add to the tomatoes just before serving.

Butterfly chicken to create 4 thin breasts. Season the chicken with the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, to taste.

Heat remaining olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Add wine and butter, reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes to absorb flavors.

Transfer breasts to a warmed serving platter. Drizzle with pan dripping.

Add chopped basil to the tomatoes, toss to blend. Top chicken with tomato mixture. Tuck a few basil leaves around chicken for an attractive presentation.

Serve and enjoy.