Good Morning Beautiful Embers Day of Advent

Not just on Sundays but all of Advent is filled with moments of quiet reflection. It is in the stillness of our hearts that the Lord waits, anxious to speak with us. Often that is more difficult than we can imagine. To be still requires the virtue of patients and a trust in God.

I have a personal story that I hold close to my heart, one that I have never shared publicly. It’s one I’m not comfortable sharing because it stirs in me questions. Why me? Lord, I am not worthy. Why would You take the time to speak with me?

In February of 2004 Mel Gibson released his film The Passion of the Christ. It was by far one of the most heart-wrenching, brutal depictions of the crucifixion of Christ. On opening night, the theaters were packed. Church groups went together to share the experience. That Friday my husband and I went with another couple. We had our entire evening planned out. We’d go to the theater, then return to our home where I had prepared refreshments. We’d talk about the film and share with one another our thoughts and feelings. Things did no go as planned. When the film was over Carol and I felt so emotionally drained, we could not stand. Our husbands had to help us to our feet. We were both sobbing. While our husbands put on brave faces, you could see the redness in their eyes. We agreed none of us were up for any kind of discussion, we would talk later. I don’t think we ever really did talk about how the film impacted us.

The following week, I dropped Kiddo off at school and decided to see the movie again, on my own. I called Hubby to let him know where I was and that my phone would be off for a while. It was the first showing of the day. While I was not expecting the theater to be filled at that time of day, I did expect some people to be in attendance. I took my place in the center of the theater and waited. No one came. No one. I was completely alone. As the lights dimmed, I began to pray. “Oh Lord, please do not let me be alone. Please, I don’t want to be alone.” Having seen the movie once before, I knew what was coming. I wanted to draw strength from the companionship of others sharing in the same experience. And yet no one joined me. As the screen flickered to life, a voice pressed into my heart. “Fear not my child. Look to Mary.” This time viewing the Passion was a different experience. I remained focused on Mary and saw her example of grace, her surrender of will and her strength to endure all that God had asked of her. Through her own pain and uncertainty, she never wavered. Her faith and trust in God carried her through to the end. As I stood to leave the empty theater that day I knew two things to be true. The first was that God gives to us all the gift of strength and the ability to endure in moments when all seems lost. He created in us the ability to be nurtured by our faith even in the most difficult of situations. As difficult as life may seem, those are the moments of emence spiritual growth. The second thing that I knew was that events beyond my control were coming that would test everything I believed to be true.

I won’t go into details about what happened later that same year, or of the hardships that followed for several more years. The details matter not. As my world began to unravel, His message remained clearn. Look to Mary. He had prepared me for what was to come, pointing to an example of the quite strength of faith. To this day Christ continues to guide as I learn to recognize His ultimate purpose in my life. He asks but one thing at the start – surrender and trust in Him alone. We all have a purpose greater than ourselves. Be still. Let Him speak to your heart. Know that you are counted among His chosen, His beloved. Knowing all that I know today, if given a chance to be spared the difficulties, the pain and sorrow, I would not choose an easier path. It was all part of this incredible journey. Every day I draw closer to Jesus. I would not change that for anything.

Today is the final Ember Days of Advent. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God for all His blessings, His abundant graces and unconditional love. Amen.

Breakfast Crêpe Pancakes with Fresh Berries
1 cup Flour
1 tablespoon Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Salt
2 large Eggs
1/2 cup Milk
1 teaspoon Flavored Extract
Assorted Berries for serving
1 tablespoons Butter
Jams or Lemon Curd for serving

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the milk. Add a flavoring extract such as Lemon or Vanilla. Let batter stand at room temperature until tiny bubbles form on top, 15 to 20 minutes.

While the batter rests, rinse berries for serving. Berries may be served whole or slices as desired.

In a small skillet or Crêpe Pan over medium heat, melt butter, then swirl pan to coat. About 1/4 cup at a time, drop batter evenly onto pan, swirling it to evenly coat.

Cook 2 minutes, then flip and cook 1 minute more; spreading jam or curd over the top of the Pancake Crêpe quickly as it cook. Fill with fruit, fold over and remove from skillet or leave flat and top with fruit. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve warm with fresh orange juice for a beautiful start to a beautiful day.

---

O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!