December 20

When my family gathers for the holidays, we are sometimes blessed by the labor of the young men in our family who make a trip into the woods to gather the ingredients for a Florida delicacy called Swamp Cabbage! It's the heart of the state palm tree, locally known as a cabbage palm, but lovingly referred to by others as the Sable Palm. Now to all you tree huggers out there who might be reading this with worry, these trees are a renewable source of food since they grow like weeds! The preparation is usually done by the men in our family since they can't trust such a fine dish to just anyone. Most of us are quite happy leaving it to them. This is an old tradition in our family probably dating back to the pioneer days. It is good for us to enjoy the bountiful feast the Lord puts before us, rejoicing, prayerfully giving thanks continually, and holding fast to what is good, especially the Swamp Cabbage!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-21