Prepare Ahead

And they left and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover. Luke 22:13  

We’re entering a season that requires preparation—just like preparation before the Sabbath. Jesus even had to prepare…or asked His disciples to prepare for Sabbaths or festivals, like Passover. What are you doing to prepare for Hanukah or Christmas? We’re pretty simple with our decorations…a tree and a few household Christmas décor favorites, mostly nativities. Nativities are significant year around—but they especially as an expression of the real reason for the Season—Jesus’ birth. Sometimes we have lights outside on our bushes and trees with a little lighted train bringing gifts. I’ve always wanted to do an outdoor crèche—maybe next year. Baking has always been an important part of our family traditions. Years ago I used to bake houskas for family and friends. It is a traditional Czech bread that is served at Christmas and Easter. My in-laws always got it from a Czech bakery in Omaha—but I learned how to make it and our family always enjoyed it, especially for Christmas breakfast. This year I hope to reintroduce this traditional bread at our table. 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you today to prepare for the celebration of His birth.  How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, I know that You are worthy of our honor and praise. May all that we do and say during this holiday season bring glory to You and our Heavenly Father.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Let’s get ready for the holidays by baking some houska. Houska is a braided Czech bread that is traditionally served at Christmas. The braid represents our lives intertwined with each other and Christ. 

Houska

2 pkgs. yeast
½ c. warm water
2 tsp. sugar
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk, room temp.
Rind of 1 lemon, grated
3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk (save white)
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. salt
7 c. sifted flour
1tsp. mace
½ tsp. nutmeg

1 cup white raisins (can additionally add 1 cup of candied fruit chopped)
½ cup slivered almonds 

Mix first three ingredients together and let rise until bubbling (about 10 minutes) then add the next 6 ingredients; mix well. Sift together flour, mace, nutmeg and add alternately with raisins and almonds, mixing well. Place in greased bowl and let rise until double in size. Turn out on floured surface. Knead well, adding flour until dough does not stick to your hands. Divide into 12 pieces: 6 large and 6 smaller pieces. Roll each into long roll. First braid each of 3 long pieces together, then braid 3 smaller pieces together. Place smaller braid on top of larger braid. This will form two loaves. Place on a greased cookie sheet and brush with the slightly beaten egg white. Let rise about one hour. Bake at 350 degrees approximately 1 hour or until golden brown. You may decorate with a frosting glaze, cherries (cut in half) and slivered almonds, if desired. Enjoy one loaf and give one to another family.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.