The Lights of Saint Lucia

December is the coldest, darkest time of the year for those living in the Northern Hemisphere. It is no wonder that so many of the Holy Days throughout December shine with candlelight.

It begins on Advent Sunday with the lighting of the first Advent Candle.

Lord God, Lamb of God
Let Your blessing come upon us
As we light the candle of this Advent wreath.
May the wreath and its light be a symbol
Of Christ’s promise of eternal salvation.

His Chosen People also light candles in observation of Hanukkah to remember the miracle that occurred in the temple when one day’s worth of oil burned for eight days. It is part of the history contained in the writings of Maccabees I and II.

Blessed are You, O LORD our G_d, Ruler of the Universe
Who has sanctified us with your commandments,
And commanded us to kindle (light) the lights of Hanukkah.

Blessed are You, O LORD, our G_d, Ruler of the Universe,
Who made miracles for our forefathers in those days at this time.

The feast of Saint Lucia also uses candlelight. Saint Lucia brought food to the Christians hiding in the catacombs during the last great Christian persecution at the hands of the Romans. She wore a wreath on her head filled with candles to light her way in the darkness, thus freeing her arms to carry more bundles of food. Often her Memorial Feast involves processions in the streets with young girls adorned with Candle-lite wreaths on their heads. In some countries it is customary for the eldest daughter in the home to wait on her family, serving a Coffee-Cake Wreath with candles.

To serve others is an honor and a virtue. Humility does not mean to belittle, but to realize that self is not the center of the universe. God is, and He commands that we care for one another as He cares for us.

There are so many moving and inspiring moments that lead up to the birth of our Savior. Each should be cherished. For observing all that is Holy feeds the soul and makes us stronger in our faith. There is so much anger, hate and resentment in the world today. It cannot be ignored, but getting angry only fuels the fires. Kindness and compassion must be kindled in our hearts. Let His light shine through you. Evil cannot exist in the light of day. Be that brilliant light.

Lemon Popovers
2 large Eggs
1-1/4 cups Milk
1 tablespoon Butter
1 cup Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Lemon Extract or to taste
Blackberry or Blueberry Jams for serving
Lemon Curd for serving
Fresh Fruits as desired

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Spray Cake Release Cooking Spray with flour inside the cups of the Popover Tin. Set aside.

Place un-cracked eggs in a bowl with hot water, warm for 10 minutes before cracking. While the eggs are warming, heat milk to lukewarm and melt the butter.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter and lemon extract. Pour over flour mixture, and fold gently until just blended.

Fill the prepared popover cups two-thirds to three-quarters full. Place in the hot oven and set a timer for 15 minutes.

Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees, continue to bake until well browned and crusty, about 20 minutes. Remove popovers from the oven, and un-mold onto a rack. Puncture the sides with a sharp knife to let steam escape, and serve immediately with desire jams or lemon curd, fresh fruits and orange juice

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Those whose hearts are pure are the temples of the Holy Spirit
Saint Lucia