What We Have to Give
"Come they told me...a new born king to see...our finest gifts we bring...to lay before the king"
- Little Drummer Boy
EAT This
Make this recipe together
St Lucia Buns
Original Recipe from Jennifer Jansch, posted on cooking.nytimes.com
​
Yield: Makes 30 buns
Time: Approximately 1.5 hrs
Description: warm, saffron buns traditionally served on the feast of St Lucy, Dec 13, as a reminder of bringing the light of Christ
​
-
Place the butter and milk in a medium bowl. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the saffron with a pinch of the sugar, and stir into the mixture. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in a little of the lukewarm butter mixture, then add the remaining butter mixture, the remaining sugar and the salt.
-
Gradually add enough of the flour (almost all of it) to make a workable dough, kneading for 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer with a dough hook. Shape into a ball, sprinkle with a little flour and cover with a cloth. Allow to rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes.
-
Transfer the dough to a floured work surface, and knead in additional flour if the dough is sticky. Shape as desired into buns, braids or lengths. Place on lined baking sheets, and allow to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400.
-
Brush the buns with beaten egg, and press raisins lightly into the dough. Bake until golden and risen, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a bun comes out dry. Smaller buns may take 8 to 10 minutes; larger lengths and braids, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool the buns on a rack under a cloth.
Ingredients:
​
-
6 ounces butter, melted
-
2 ½ cups lukewarm milk
-
¾ teaspoon saffron
-
1 cup sugar
-
1.7 ounces fresh yeast
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
2 pounds wheat flour, or as needed
-
Beaten egg, for brushing
-
Raisins, for garnish.
​
PRAY This
Pray this prayer together
1. Light your Advent wreath for the appropriate week
For information on Advent wreaths and a wreath blessing, click here.
​
2. Share something you would each like to pray for
​
3. Pray the St Lucy Prayer
​
Saint Lucy,
you did not hide your light under a basket,
but let it shine for the whole world,
for all the centuries to see.
We are called, as you were to let the light of our Christ
light up our daily lives.
Please help us to have the courage to bring Jesus into our work,
our play, our relationships, our conversation
-- every corner of our day.
Help us to love Christ as you did.
Amen
WATCH This
Watch this movie together
As you eat your St Lucia buns, watch the film:
The Little Drummer Boy.
​
Available at: Amazon ; ReelGood
Movie Run Time: 26 min
​
Description:
The true spirit of Christmas is revealed through the story of a lonely orphan boy, known for his drumming, who hated humanity. His life is changed forever when he meets three wise men on route to Bethlehem. The boy stumbles upon the birth of the baby Jesus and gives the child the only thing he has: his talent. In this act of generosity while encountering the Christ child, the boy finds meaning in his life.
DISCUSS This
Share together as a family
After watching the movie, use any of the following questions to share as a family.
​
1. Why was the orphan boy, Aaron, upset with everyone?
2. Where did Aaron find friendship?
3. What was it like when he met the baby Jesus?
4. How did meeting the baby Jesus and playing his drum for Him change Aaron?
5. Do you ever feel like there isn't much you can do that is important?
6. Jesus tells us that our lives are valuable, no matter who we are. How can we help other people feel that their lives are valuable?