February: Abraham's divine feast
God showed up to Abraham in the form of three guests one afternoon. Abraham rushed to welcome them with a feast under a tree. He seemed to recognize that these visitors were sent from God. As they feasted together, the guests brought him news that Sarai, his wife, was miraculously pregnant.
How is God surprising you? How will you welcome God?
How is God surprising you? How will you welcome God?
Read It
Genesis 18: 1-15
2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,[a] do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”
6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs[b] of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.”
7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them.
2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,[a] do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”
6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs[b] of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.”
7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them.
Pray It
God, sometimes you show up when we least expect to see you. Help us to always welcome the stranger and be ready to receive you. Amen.
God, sometimes you show up when we least expect to see you. Help us to always welcome the stranger and be ready to receive you. Amen.
Make It
Time to make your feast! Abraham brought his guests the best he could - but it was pretty everyday food. Create your own approximation of the meal with:
Time to make your feast! Abraham brought his guests the best he could - but it was pretty everyday food. Create your own approximation of the meal with:
- Bread (whatever kind your household usually eats)
- Cheese (cheese curds is most likely what Abraham had)
- Meat (Abraham’s was probably just some meat stewed in water, so keep it simple!)
- Invite guests over for your divine feast.
- Eat outside under a tree. Even if it’s cold out, this can be fun!
- Abraham seemed to be in a hurry. Try setting a timer and pulling the meal together as fast as possible.
- Let your toddler do the task of helping find the food and put it on a tray.
- Rather than reading the story before you begin, you could wait and read it as you eat together.
Explore it: A Note from Tami
One can definitely use your usual bread for this activity. However, if you have time and want to create a more special experience together, breadmaking with children is a great activity. Try this Bread in a Bag
I occasionally made flour tortillas with children in my preschool class and with my own children. They enjoyed mixing, patting out, and rolling the tortillas and watching as they quickly cooked in the electric skillet. It is more important to share the experience with children than it is to have perfectly shaped tortillas!
Here is the simple recipe that my sister, Linda Ramirez, learned from her mother-in-law:
Baking with Kids; 5 Reasons Your Child Will Benefit This OT Mom (occupational therapist) helps us realize that besides being a wonderful shared experience, baking activities provide a number of other valuable benefits.
One can definitely use your usual bread for this activity. However, if you have time and want to create a more special experience together, breadmaking with children is a great activity. Try this Bread in a Bag
I occasionally made flour tortillas with children in my preschool class and with my own children. They enjoyed mixing, patting out, and rolling the tortillas and watching as they quickly cooked in the electric skillet. It is more important to share the experience with children than it is to have perfectly shaped tortillas!
Here is the simple recipe that my sister, Linda Ramirez, learned from her mother-in-law:
- Mix together 2 ½ c flour, 1 ½ T baking powder, and ½ T salt.
- Cut in ¼ c shortening (not oil).
- Add 1 c very hot water and stir and knead to mix well. Make into 8-10 balls. Roll out and cook around ½ minute on each side in a hot lightly greased skillet. Stack and keep warm wrapped in a towel until all are ready to eat.
Baking with Kids; 5 Reasons Your Child Will Benefit This OT Mom (occupational therapist) helps us realize that besides being a wonderful shared experience, baking activities provide a number of other valuable benefits.
