All We Need is Love

Once again, the observance of Advent and the celebration of Hanukkah share the spot light. Last year the first night of Hanukkah and the first Sunday of Advent were the same day. This year the last Sunday of Advent and the first night of Hanukkah are joined.

I’ve never understood how public schools, with there strict separation of Church and State, can celebrate Hanukkah. Don’t misunderstand me, I am in favor of teaching the story of Hanukkah. I just don’t see how it can be viewed as non-religious. Hanukkah recalls a miracle from God after a hard-fought victory over religious oppression. In the first Century, Greek rulers had banned Judaism. A small band of Jewish warriors, led by Judah Maccabee, rebelled and were victorious. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate the temple, and that required lighting candles on the menorah. However; there was only enough oil for one night. And yet God kept the candles burning for eight nights. How can anyone look at Hanukkah and not see the religious implications?

Catholics are very familiar with the story of the Maccabees. Our Bible contains Maccabees I and II as part of our Old Testament. These are two of the seven books missing from Protestant Bibles. While I don’t know for a fact that the candles of Advent were inspired by the Festival of Lights, I would say it’s not a far stretch.

On this, the final Sunday of Advent, we turn our attention not to the birth of Christ, but to His promised second coming. God so loved the world, He became flesh and died for us, that we might live. God so loves the world that He will come again.

ADVENT PRAYERS
Opening Prayer: Lord God, Lamb of God
Let Yours blessings come upon us
As we light the candles of this Advent wreath.
May the wreath and its light be a symbol
Of Christ’s promise of eternal salvation.

Response: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Light the 1st Purple Candle (Hope)
Prayer: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
In the darkness and in the light, Holy is Your Name.
We place our hope in you, Oh Lord,
As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of the Lord

Response: Now and forever. Amen.

Light the 2nd Purple Candle (Peace)
Prayer: Blessed are you, Lord; God of all creation.
Let your light shine on those who dwell in darkness.
Let the earth receive her King
And fill our hearts with Your everlasting peace

Response: Now and forever. Amen.

Light the Pink Candle (Joy)
Prayer: Blessed are you, Lord; God of all creation.
Let our heats be glad as we wait in joyful hope
For the coming of our Lord
Give us a heart, O Lord, that seeks You always

Response: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Light the Final Purple Candle (Love)
Prayer: Rejoice, for God so loved the world
That He gave to us His only Begotten Son
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Now and forever

Response: Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel

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All We Need is Love Advent Sunday Supper
Brandy Cream Pork Medallions on a Bed of Linguine
Mixed Green Salad with Grape Tomatoes

Brandy Cream Pork Medallions
8 oz Linguine
1 lb Pork Tenderloin
1-3/4 Brown Mushrooms
5 Green Onions
2 Garlic Cloves
2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme
2 firm Roma Tomatoes
1/2 cup Flour
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
3 tablespoons Butter, divided
1-1/2 cups Heavy Cream
1/4 cup Brandy
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1/2 teaspoons Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese

Bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil. Cook linguine according to package directions.

While the water comes to a boil and the pasta cook, cut pork tenderloin into 1-inch slices, set aside. Clean and slice mushrooms, set aside. Slice green onions, set aside. Peel and mince garlic, set aside. Pluck thyme leaves from sprigs, mince and set aside. Seed and chop tomatoes.

Flatten pork slices to 1/4-inch thickness. Place flour in a large shallow dish. Add pork, a few pieces at a time, and turn to coat.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook pork in oil and 2 tablespoons butter in batches until juices run clear, 3-4 minutes on each side. Set aside and keep warm.

In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms and onions in remaining butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the cream, brandy, thyme, mustard, salt, pepper and cayenne. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 8 minutes.

Drain linguine. Stir tomatoes into sauce mixture; add pork and heat through. Serve on a bed of linguine garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Mixed Greens with Grape Tomatoes
8 oz Mixed Green Salad
1 cup Grape Tomatoes
Fresh Black Pepper to taste
Choice of Dressings as desired

In a chilled bowl, place torn spring greens. Cut tomatoes in half, sprinkle over the greens. Season with fresh black pepper. Serve with dressing as desired.

Serve with dressing table-side.