Before the Christmas Rush Begins

Today is a very busy Saturday. It’s a part of our beloved Four-Day Weekend. There was Thanksgiving and National Family Day. Today is Shop Small Business Saturday. And tomorrow we begin the Blessed Advent Season.

It’s important ahead of the Advent Season that we have our wreath ready for yet another season of prayers before the evening meal. If your wreath is anything like some of mine (yes, I have more than one) you will need new candles as well. Now I have seen those flameless candles with Wizzy remote controls. I suppose if you are worried about an open flame around small children or they don’t allow candles where you are for some reason, that would be fine. However; there is nothing like striking the match and lighting the candles as we pray together as a family. Those are memories that your children and their children will carry with them forever.

As with everything, preparation is key. Each year we bless our Wreath; we bless our Christmas Tree and our Nativity Display. It brings into perspective the true meaning of this season. As with every “group” or family blessing, there is a leader and those who respond. Ideally the father should lead the family in prayer. Studies show that the more the father is involved in a prayerful life, the more likely the children are to continue that dedication later in their own lives.

Blessing of the Advent Wreath
(All gathered make the Sign of the Cross)

Leader:
Our help is in the name of the Lord

Response:
Who made heaven and earth.

Leader:
Christ came to bring us salvation and has promised to come again.
Let us pray that we may always be ready to welcome Him.
Lord, we ask that You bless this Advent Wreath and those gathered here.

Response:
Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:
That the keeping of Advent may open our hearts to God’s love,
we pray to the Lord.

Response:
Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:
That the light of Christ may penetrate the darkness of sin,
we pray to the Lord.

Response:
Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:
Lord God, we joyfully await the coming of our Savior, who enlightens our hearts
and dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin.
Pour fourth Your blessing upon this wreath that its light reflects
the splendor of Christ Jesus
Who is Lord God for ever and ever.

Response:
Amen.
(All make the Sign of the Cross)

---

Now I don’t profess for a moment to know what your day may be all about. For Hubby and I it means a short drive up the hill to the Cowboy Capital of the World – Oakdale, and their Christmas Festival. Santa rides into town on horseback (of course) and all the small businesses in town have something special for their shoppers. Not to be missed are the craft vendors in the town square. With all that shopping to be done, it’s a must to have a special breakfast not only to fill the tummy but put us in the Christmas Spirit.

Bisquick Apple Pancakes
2 cups Bisquick Mix (or your favorite Pancake Mix)
1 large Egg
1 cup Apple Juice
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Sweet Apple
4 tablespoons Butter, divided
1/2 cup Sugar
Cinnamon to taste
Apple Butter for serving
Maple Syrup for serving, optional

In the bowl of a stand mixer beat Bisquick Mix, egg, apple juice and cinnamon just until blended. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Peel, core and finely chop the apple. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet, scatter apple over the butter. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon to taste. Let cook until the apples are caramelized. Remove from heat, set aside.

Heat a gridded to medium heat. Melt remaining butter over the griddle once heated. Ladle pancake batter onto the griddle, cook until edges are set and the center has bubbled, about 2 minutes or so. Flip pancakes, cook another minute.

Spread apple butter over each pancake. Stack pancakes, serve topped with apples, and maple syrup if desired. Enjoy!

---

“Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
Give glory and eternal praise to Him.