Hot Cross Buns

We grew up singing this pathetic little jingle.

Hot cross buns, Hot cross buns, one a penny, two a penny, Hot cross buns.
If you have no daughters, if you have no sons, one a penny, two a penny, Hot cross buns.

There are several verses, each sillier than the rest but with no great meaning in the scheme of life!

Oh, my Mom made the best ones with lots of raisins, spices and peel added to the dough.

I remember how she would snip the crosses into the top with a pair of sewing scissors. Once they came out of the oven, she drizzled the cross shape again with white icing. We ate them hot…after all; they are called Hot Cross Buns, aren’t they?

I hope the tradition is not lost. They were a Good Friday feast, which symbolized the end of Lent. You see, they were made with dairy products which used to be forbidden during Lent.

Of course the cross was to remind us of Jesus’ crucifixion, but the spices brought his burial to mind.

Why not add them to your Easter traditions and use the opportunity to discuss Jesus.

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. (Matthew 27:32, NIV)

We who know the story of the cross must share it now that time is so short.

Prayer- Forgive us, Lord, when we forget…to tell others that you are coming soon. Amen.