Sweet Aroma of Christ
Certain sights, sounds, and scents trigger Christmas memories and highlight what we like most about the holiday season. Today’s verse makes me focus on the scents of Christmas.
2 Corinthians 2:14,15, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ…” (NAS)
Along with fragrances like hot chocolate simmering, sugar cookies baking, peppermint candles burning, what does the sweet aroma of Christ smell like? And more importantly, how do we manifest the fragrance of Christ, especially during the Christmas season?
Maybe some of these ideas will help sweeten our aroma.
… spend quiet time every day with Jesus, even if it’s just a few minutes. Our sweet aroma comes from soaking in Jesus, not trying harder.
… lay down perfection when it comes to Christmas decorations or other traditions.
… show grace with a challenging relative.
…be completely present, listening attentively, unrushed, with a good friend or relative.
…extend patience with cashiers in stores.
…ask family members to choose their favorite Christmas tradition. Can you do just those things?
…Consider not saying yes to every invitation.
…Call a friend or relative you haven’t talked to in a long time.
…Take a walk in the woods. Enjoy the hushed quiet.
…Have a pajama night with your family and watch a favorite Christmas movie.
…There’s a time for everything… maybe put aside writing or speaking projects right now, if you can. Focus on time with the Lord, friends, and family.
May all our Christmases be filled with the sweet aroma of Christ, wherever we go and whenever we speak.
This is absolutely beautiful! Thank you……
Thank you, Deanna. Merry Christmas.