Sweet aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin flood the air of my home during the holidays; it’s one of my favorite things. It’s not only a pleasant aroma but it brings precious memories of my mother who gave me her famous recipe. Some recipes get passed down; others will never be discovered. Yet, it’s always a delight to taste one’s favorite dish. It’s savored with every tasteful bite until the end.
My husband’s favorite pie is pumpkin pie, so it’s always present during the Holidays. Nevertheless, one Thanksgiving season, I was really missing the comforts of home and desired my mother’s pumpkin roll. Yet, I wasn’t sure if she would share her recipe. Much to my surprise, I was entrusted with her famous recipe, I couldn’t wait to share this with my own family. As I started to make her recipe, my husband came into the kitchen to enquire about it, “What is that?” “Just wait till you taste it!” was my reply. “There better be pumpkin pie!” he said as he exited the kitchen. Yet, I knew it was the better than a pumpkin pie. As the old saying, “The proof is in the pudding.” As I expected, it’s become a family favorite in our house, there is no holiday without it.
The holidays are filled with family favorites upon the table but it’s surrounded by the greatest gift of all. Yet, as I started to remember the fragrance of mom’s recipe, I started to wonder what’s the aroma of my house is during the Holidays? Is it a pleasant aroma? Is it a sweet spirit or a dreadful atmosphere? I have heard it say, “The husband may be the head of the house but the mother is the heart of the home.”
“So, what’s the heart of the Holidays?”
Christians, our lives should be a sweet aroma to those around us whether in the marketplace or our own table. A table may be full of food but if it’s not surrounded with love, we are starving the heart of those who mean the most. It’s important to feed the body but if we neglect our spirit; we neglect our source of life.
“A thankful spirit isn’t one we are born with; it’s learning to rest in the goodness of God.”
Yet, have you tasted the goodness of God? If you haven’t, I invite you to taste goodness of God! He is so good! His love is a sweet fragrance; it fills the room as He enters. His peace is satisfying; it fills the soul completely. His joy is a river; no cup can fill it because it overflows. His Word is love and truth; it’s our beloved’s heart and desire to be near. We are all invited to sit at a beautiful banquet provided by the Savior himself. Oh, I can’t wait to have a meal with Jesus! It’s one of things I am truly jealous of the disciples, they got to break bread with the Master. Some of the deepest joys, testimonies, lessons learned are shared over a meal. It’s an intimate occasion to share with those we love.
So, as you make your preparations this season, may I give you a challenge? As you place your centerpieces, good china, and decorations pray for those who will sit around your table. Personally take a minute to pray for those who have been invited to your home. Also, ask God to flood your home with His presence during the season, so those who are hungry for the truth, may be full.
Building stronger marriages together,
Tina Wetor
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The following are a few verses to further encourage you:
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 2:15)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
