Wait for It—Expect a Surprise from Jesus (+ a Christmas Recipe)

I pull out the bent recipe card. It gets removed from my recipe box only once a year.

I have my sister-in-law’s name written in the corner of the card: Bonnie. She must have introduced the recipe to us, but I remember it most because my mom would bake this delightful dessert every Christmas.

And I would look forward to its goodness.

It’s called Miss Miriam’s Surprise.

But none of us know why. I suppose Miss Miriam originated it, wherever and whoever she is.

Sometimes when I make it I rename it: Caramel Chocolate Bars. It seems more descriptive. You know what you’re going to get with a name like that.

But Miss Miriam’s Surprise? Who knows what that might taste like?

Expect a Surprise

In any given year, we can’t predict what surprises will come. In 2020, least of all.

A year ago, who knew we’d be wearing masks and canceling large gatherings for Christmas, or worse, praying for the sick and mourning our losses? These aren’t the types of surprises we like.

But despite our frustrations and pains with those surprises, we can also be watchful for another surprise: the good surprise of how Jesus will show up in our midst.

Even when the days are darkest, we can trust that the Light will glimmer for us somewhere. Maybe He doesn’t show up in the spot we look first. But we can remain hopeful that good is always on the way because God is always with us.

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:21-23

Wait for Your Surprise

When I make Miss Miriam’s Surprise again this December, I have to set aside the clock. I know it’s going to take longer to prepare than I plan for. I typically get tired of unwrapping all the caramels. And I get a tad frustrated that the dough is hard to spread.

But I can expect that a good surprise is coming when I pull it out of the oven. When I put that first bite in my mouth, I know the expectation was worth it. It tastes like Christmas to me. It’s a treat that doesn’t fail.

It’s the same with Jesus. Sometimes we have to wait a little longer than we expect to see what He’s up to. But His gifts are always worth the wait.

Just wait for them. Wait for Jesus. His surprises are the best kind.

“The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”
Lamentations 3:25-26

Miss Miriam’s Surprise

a.k.a. Caramel Chocolate Bars

Ingredients

• One 11-ounce bag of Kraft caramel candy squares
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• 3/4 cup butter
• 6 ounces chocolate chips
• 1 cup nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix cake mix with 1/3 cup evaporated milk and 3/4 cup butter. Stir in nuts (optional). Refrigerate half of dough.
2. Press unrefrigerated half of dough in 13×9 greased pan. Bake at 350° for 6 minutes. Remove from oven.
3. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on cooked dough.
4. Remove plastic wrap from caramels. Melt caramels with 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Pour on top of cooked dough.
5. Drop refrigerated cake mixture by spoonfuls over the caramel and cooked dough.
6. Bake 15-18 minutes. Cool 30 minutes before cutting.

Do you have a favorite Christmas recipe? What’s been a pleasant surprise you’ve received this year? Please share with us in the comments.