A Sweet Smelling Christmas
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”- Romans 12:1
As Christmas is in full swing, what is filling your home during the holidays? Is it the specific supplies (toilet paper/water/masks) needed in this season; is it boxes/presents being delivered from Amazon and UPS; is it the SOUNDS and SMELLS that let’s us know that Christmas is here!
The sounds of Christmas are so festive and rich in meaning as we celebrate the Birth of our Savior. Songs like, “Hark the Herald”; “Joy to the World”; “O, Holy Night”; “Angels We Have Heard on High”; “O Come, O Come Immanuel”, are a must on my playlist all December long. There are also the amazing smells of the season. The smell of the tree, pinecones, scented candles, gingerbread and peppermint treats, provide a pleasant and distinct aroma.
May the sounds and smells of Christmas be a symbol of our WORSHIP. Like Christmas, there are distinct and pleasant forms (sounds and smells) of worship. Exodus 29:18 tells us about the burnt offering, “Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord, a pleasing aroma…” And Ephesians 5:2 reminds us to give the sacrifice of love as Jesus did, “And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Would you allow worship to be what fills your home this Christmas? Each time we hear a Christmas song or smell a Christmas fragrance, may our hearts respond with an overflow of joy as we offer our very lives as a beautiful aroma to God. May the precious and priceless gift of our Savior’s Birth that we remember in this season cause us to respond with praise, thanksgiving, and offerings (of our time, talents, and treasures).
Christmas is here! The bells are ringing, the angels are singing, and the Holy Spirit is calling us to replace the worries and cares of life with a worship to the King of our lives!