A Nativity of a Different Kind

For most of us, when we hear the word “Nativity” we immediately think of little Baby Jesus laying in a mangers, with animals nearby and angels above. Often the wise men are depicted bringing gifts. In actuality, this doesn’t happen on the night of His birth.

The word Nativity is derived from the Latin term “nativitas” which means “birth” or the act of being born. In the Catholic Faith, we celebrate three Nativities. The first is the Nativity of Mary. For without her, there would have been no salvation. She became the Ark of the Covenant, the new Eve, the mother of God and our spiritual mother in heaven. The second is the Nativity of John, the forerunner, the voice in the wilderness. The greatest is that of Jesus, God made flesh.

Catholics have a very special relationship with Mary. We see her as someone we can speak with on an intimate level. We see her as a strong woman of faith and an example of what it means to be a virtuous woman. We see her as many things. What we do not see is someone equal to God. For no human being is God. No person is deserving of our worship. However; many are deserving of our admiration, our love and respect. Today we celebrate the birth of Mary, filled with God’s holy grace.

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Mixed Berry Muffins
Muffins
3 cups Flour
1/2 cup Brown Sugar, firmly packed
1 pinch Salt
1/2 cup Sugar
1 tablespoon Baking Powder
3 Eggs
1/2 cup Milk
8 tablespoons Butter
1 cup fresh Raspberries
1 cup Blueberries

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line 18 muffin tin with paper liners. Set aside.

Note: I only baked 12 muffins, plenty for Hubby and I over the course of several mornings

In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together eggs and milk. Melt butter, add to the mixture and whisk until well blended.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until blended. If the batter appears too stiff or dry, add more milk a little at a time. (I added about 1/4 cup of light cream).

Rinse the berries. Fold fruit into the batter. With a cupcake scoop, fill each lined muffin tin 3/4 of the way full. Set aside to make the topping.

Topping
2 tablespoons Sugar
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 cup Flour
3 tablespoons Butter, soft

In a small bowl work sugars and spices into the flour. With fingertips work butter into the mixture to create a crumble topping.

Lightly scatter the topping over the muffins. Place in the heated oven to bake for about 18 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Remove from oven, let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a platter. Serve with butter and plenty of orange juice for a bright start to the day.

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Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise;
from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God.