Simple Symbolic Sufficient
I love Easter. I might go so far as to say it is my favorite holiday.
This will be our first Easter as a married couple and as it is approaching I am so excited to begin establishing a few family traditions! Being that I’m someone who enjoys cooking (and eating), loves spending time with family, and wants to be available for serving our church as much as possible, it can be easy for a girl like me to lose sight of what Easter is really about. Knowing this of myself, I am in the process of approaching this holiday differently than I ever have before.
I started early…
I have been spending my quiet times over the past few weeks in the book of John. I chose this book because it is centered on the message and ministry of Jesus leading up to his death on the cross and all the way through His Resurrection. To me, there just seemed to be no better way than this to completely set my focus on Christ.
I read a couple of chapters each day, only a couple of days a week, so that I could really take it all in.
Typically I would have spent several days gushing over different recipes, trying to plan the perfect Easter feast. It probably would have been pretty elaborate-involving several grocery trips, hours of prep, and potentially multiple courses.
Instead, by focusing on my quiet time in the Word, I’ve found that our Easter meal can be simple as well as symbolic.
Lamb of God
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
Living Water
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”(John 4:13-14)
Bread of Life
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
Our Easter menu this year includes: LAMB, fresh baked BREAD, and WATER.
This meal may not be particularly elaborate. I may choose to add a side dish or dessert, but regardless of whether I do or not, just having these items as symbols are sufficient, because Christ as all of them was and is sufficient.
I’m so thankful for that truth!
I hope that sharing this with you will help you prepare for a special Easter.
A post from me wouldn’t be complete without some recipes! Even though I haven’t yet chosen specifics for our meal, I’ve included some links to potentially tasty recipes below! Just remember: Never allow the meal overtake the Message.
Lamb Recipes:
Paula Deen’s Roasted Rack of Lamb- You can never go wrong with the Lady! Paula Deen’s recipe is probably the most traditional of the three lamb recipes I’ve linked up. She also includes a Cucumber, Tomato and Mint salad recipe that would serve as a tasty garnish or side dish too!
Crispy Rack of Lamb with Honey and Mascarpone- This is a Giada di Laurentiis recipe I came across on FoodNetwork.com…it sounds delicious-how can you go wrong with honey and mascarpone?! Be sure to expect sweet and savory!
Lamb Loin Chops with Mint Pesto One for the more adventurous foodies-Guy Fieri’s recipe! The mint pesto sparked my interest in this one. Mint and rosemary seem to be great spice parings for lamb. The chops might be a good alternative to a rack if you’re cooking for two or if you’re trying lamb for the first time.
Bread Recipes:
Buttered Rosemary Rolls- Pioneer Woman features a simple yet wonderful way to change up those go-to freezer rolls! As mentioned above, rosemary and lamb pair well together, so these rolls along with any lamb dish would be so delicious!
Pioneer Woman Hot Cross Buns- Absolutely beautiful and are an Easter/Good Friday tradition for many. Did I mention I love the Pioneer Woman…
I would love to know what YOU are serving up this Easter!
Be sure to leave any of your Easter recipes or traditions in the comments section.
Have a blessed Easter week!
To peruse more Easter posts, click here!
To read more Foodie Files from Julie, click here!
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I have my Hot Cross Buns rising as I type!