Welcome to Day 7 of our 12 Days of Christmas Tea Tasting. It's hard to believe we are half way through our twelve days.
Today's tea is the Sugar Plum Tea. It's a black tea with plum bits and cinnamon. I love the large flakes of dried plums in this tea! I usually add some cream to my black teas, but I feel this one is on the lighter side and didn't need anything extra.
A few years ago my gardener husband planted some plum trees in our backyard. We were pleasantly surprised to find edible plums this year. They were small, but they were tasty! I'm becoming a fan of this delicious antioxidant fruit.
The seven swans-a-swimming represents the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:6-8 NLT. I love how this traditional Christmas song has Christian symbolism. Romans 12 says,
"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."
Also, did you know that the swan is a symbol for Martin Luther? I found this story interesting and thought I would share it with you.
Jan Hus, who lived from 1370-1415, strongly influenced Martin Luther and the Reformation. Hus' name literally means "goose" in the Bohemian language. The Lutheran Press says, "Just prior to being burned at the stake, Hus was asked to recant his teachings. His response…
“You are now going to burn a goose, but in a century you will have a swan which you can neither roast nor boil.”
That is why a swan is found frequently in Lutheran paintings.
Just a little bit of church history as we end our blog post today. Something to think about while you drink your Sugar Plum Tea. Seems to me that would make a great conversation if you are doing the tea tasting with a group.
Have a great day!
Resources:
http://lutheranpress.com/the-swan/
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