"Oh, Bring Us Some Figgy Pudding" A British Dessert Reminds Us To Remember Christ


"Oh, bring us some figgy pudding, oh, bring us some figgy pudding, oh...?"

Hold on. What in the world is figgy pudding?
The verse from the carol, "We wish you a Merry Christmas," is a puzzling one for many of us. I've never had figgy pudding. At least, I don't think I have. In fact, I had to look it up just to find out what it was.

It's a traditional Christmas British dessert that is neither pudding, nor does it generally contain figs. Those Brits are always driving on the wrong side of the road, putting their hot water tap on either side of the sink to mix us up, and now confusing us with dessert names. We sure do love Downton Abbey and their royal babies though, which reminds me that I still need to pick up a gift for Princess Charlotte. I wonder if she likes Peppa Pig?

Anyway, back to figgy pudding. What does it have to do with Christmas?

Well the classic dish had 13 ingredients representing Christ and 12 apostles, a sprig of holly on top symbolized the crown of thorns. The dessert actually served as a reminder of what Christ had come to do. In a day where so much of Christmas has shifted away from Christ, perhaps a reminder of what the season is all about isn't such a bad idea. There may not be any figgy pudding on your table this Christmas, but I do hope you will fill your celebration with reminders of why Jesus came. May we never forget the greatest gift ever given, or that any of us has ever received.

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst." I Timothy 1:15

Let's not forget what matters most.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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