“O Adonai” | Burning Bush O’Fashioned

For each of the ancient “O Antiphon” prayers in this week preceding Christmas, I will be offering prayers and a variation on an Old Fashioned.

Today’s O Antiphon is “O Adonai”.

This antiphon points back to God revealing his name to Moses at the burning bush.The Israelites thought that name (YHWH) was too holy to say out loud, so they would substitute the word “Adonai”, which is often translated as LORD in English Bibles. On this day, we reflect on God in Jesus as our Lord, ruler, and judge, longing for him to come and sets us free from the things that bind us.

Today’s Prayer & Scripture

O Adonai, and Ruler of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the Law on Sinai: come, stretch out your mighty hand and set us free.

The text today is Isaiah 33:22: “For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our ruler; the Lord is our king; he will save us.” For further reflection, read Exodus 3, the story of God revealing himself to Moses in the burning bush. It is such a rich and mysterious text, ripe for meditation.

As we continue towards Christmas, remember that God has revealed both himself and what way of living leads to life. Let that remind us how we fall short of that in so many ways and how we need God to come and satisfy his own judgment lest we lose him altogether. End your day with prayer and a drink.

The Drink: Burning Bush O’Fashioned

• 2oz Rye
• .5oz Demerara Syrup
• 1 Dash Salt & Smoke Bitters
• 1 Dash Black Walnut Bitters
• Smoked Rosemary Sprig

If you have fresh Rosemary, dry it in the oven for 4 minutes at 350. Light the sprig on fire. Place your glass upside down over it and let it fill the with smoke. Stir the other ingredients in a mixing glass and pour in a new glass. Light the Rosemary sprig again and garnish with it.

I honestly think this is the best Old Fashioned I’ve ever made. It is complex, spicy, and sweet, with a touch of smoke. You can use whichever Rye you have. The sweetener is Liber & Co. Demerara Gum Syrup which is amazing, but you could use simple syrup if you want.

For bitters, there is 1 dash of Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters (one of my favorites) and Salt and Smoke “Pooter” Bitters by Crude. The latter uses a dropper bottle, and I never know how much a “dash” is, but I used one dropper’s worth in this drink. It adds a touch of flavor that’s really nice, but if I’m honest, you could get by without it.

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