INTRODUCTION

“Sweeter Than Honey – Holiday Sweets and Treats” is the title of the Advent through Epiphany Devotional for 2019. Within these pages, you will find some delicious recipes that will tempt your taste buds. Along with the recipes some entries include a story about the recipe and how it became a family favorite. The story for some entries is as simple as the recipe being handed down from one generation to another. Others may have no story or an extended one.

Accompanying the recipe and story is a scripture passage. Except for Christmas Day when the familiar story of Christ’s birth is read from the Gospel of Luke, all the other readings are assigned to the four Sundays in Advent from the three-year lectionary cycle. You are invited to read these texts and reflect on how this relates to the first and second comings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Last, a brief prayer relating to the day’s scripture reading is included.

It is our hope that you will enjoy the recipes and the stories. We also hope the scripture reading and prayer will be of spiritual value to you as you prepare to observe Advent and to celebrate Christmas through Epiphany.

May God bless you and yours with a Joyful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Joy! Hope! Peace!