Scripture
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.”
—Matthew 15:32
Reflection
My mom is an excellent cook. I love working side-by-side with her in the kitchen. It is the way we connect. Part of what I love about it is using treasured family recipes. We prepare and serve them in pots, pans, and serving dishes that have been passed down through the generations. For some reason, those meals always taste better. Not just because my mom is such a good cook, but also because the food is fortified with years of love.
Talk Together
What is your favorite family recipe?
Prayer
Dear Lord, nourish us not just with this food, but also with the love with which it was prepared.
Activity
Prepare a special family recipe. Invite the kids into the kitchen to help you prepare it. Pull out the good dishes—you know, the ones you only use on special occasions—and use those for the meal. Talk about where those dishes came from and what memories they evoke. Begin to think about what type of meal you will have to celebrate Christmas this year, and what family traditions will be part of that meal.
