Traditions

 

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

(2 Thessalonians 2:15 KJV)

“Holiday traditions” is a statement that is echoed at this time of year. Just hearing these words drums up warm memories in most of our hearts.

Traditions are powerful and are created when we repeat actions or behaviors. Through tradition we pass down beliefs, customs and practices from generation to generation. What we inherited through tradition may last many years to come. What we start as tradition may also continue.

The celebration of Christmas is a long honored tradition among Christians and non-Christians. Some of our strongest Christmas traditions are practiced in the kitchen. You don’t have to listen too long to hear “Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without …” (For me it is mom’s stuffing!)

Because our food traditions can be so powerful, Bonnie’s Kitchen is challenging you this Christmas season to examine the traditions you hold dear. Do they honor Christ or have they, as Mark warns, made the word of God of no effect (7:13)?

If your traditions are not bringing Glory to God – you have two options.

• Scrap them and start new ones.
• Turn the tradition into something that honors God.

Like many, a secular friend of mine traditionally celebrated Thanksgiving with a huge feast while surrounded by family. One year he looked around and noticed that there were many in his circle of acquaintances that didn’t have family to celebrate with. He changed his tradition that year by celebrating Thanksgiving with the “orphans.” Now he watches throughout the year for people who might be alone and gathers them together in his home for a giant Thanksgiving celebration. He tells me Thanksgiving is a blast!

I was touched by his act of kindness. If the world can show such love on a secular holiday – how much more can I offer when I have God’s love in me?

What traditions are you modeling for the eyes that watch you?

• A frantic shopper spending hours looking for the right gift to give?
• Or a peaceful servant giving time to during the holidays?
• Are you baking up a storm to keep the traditional family recipes alive?
• Or are you sharing your cooking and baking with others?

There are two great commandments:

• Love God above all others.
• Love your neighbor as yourself.

If your time honored traditions are accomplishing one of these two – you are on track and pleasing your Lord. If your traditions are not…It is time for you to create new traditions.

Traditions hold power, therefore we must closely examine the Holiday traditions we create and follow.
I wish you and yours a Blessed Holiday Season!

Mom’s Stuffing

Bake 350°F 30 – 40 min.

Ingredients:
1 lb. Pork sausage
Breadcrumbs from one loaf of bread
1 Onion (diced)
1 pinch of ginger
1 T sage
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 diced Celery stalk
1 c turkey broth or water

Procedure:
Mix ingredients together and press into baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 30 – 40 min. (Stuffing can either be baked separately or stuffed into a turkey or chicken.)
Portzelky (New Year’s Cookies)

Ingredients
1 Package instant yeast (2T)
½ c. milk
½ c. water
3 c flour
2T Baking Powder
½ tsp salt
1 T & 1 tsp sugar
3 eggs
½ lb raisons
½ lb prunes (cut small)
Oil for frying

Procedure
Combine milk and water. Warm to a lukewarm temperature. Separate eggs. Add egg yolks to warm liquid. Combine yeast, flour, baking powder salt and sugar. Mix with egg mixture. Stir in raisons and prunes. Beat egg whites and fold into batter. Let rise until double the size.

Heat oil in pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Drop by spoonful into heated oil. Fry until insides are cooked and outsides are brown. (Cookie will usually flip in oil when one side is done.)