“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
Christmas is a much-looked-forward-to season for a lot of reasons. One of them is definitely the home-made sweets and savouries, typical in Indian households. During the run-up to Christmas day, every Christian house is filled with the aroma of lovely delicacies that smell and taste heavenly! Be it the white or pink ‘coconut barfi’s’, the spiral-shaped ‘kul-kuls’, ‘rose cookies’ shaped like a snowflake or a variety of sugar-laden ‘ladoos’ – these sugary delights are a real treat to all the senses – and the only savoury relief is the ‘muruk-kus’, made with butter and spicy mixtures. As the tradition goes, these home-made treats are then distributed to friends and neighbours and served to every visitor. They are lovingly and painstakingly made by mothers, grandmothers, and aunties.
As a little girl, I enjoyed helping my mum place an assortment of these delicacies on a bright tray which was then covered with a ‘Christmassy’ serviette. It was my responsibility to carry them with utmost care till they reached the hands of our neighbours. Pleasantries were exchanged at every home, and by the time I came back home, the next set was ready to be dispatched. Over the years, these home-made goodies have been replaced with store-bought ones, but the joy of sharing remains.
Christmas is a great time to share – not just delicacies – but the real reason for the season. As the Apostle Paul says, we are the “aroma of Christ.” We have experienced the fragrance of the knowledge of Him, and have savoured His grace and love. Christmas is a good reminder to live a life reflecting that love of our Saviour. We are called to share this love and the everlasting hope we have, with the people around us. Can we be that aroma this season, and spread Jesus’ fragrance through our lives? May this attitude of sharing the love of Christ become our lifestyle, not just during Christmas, but all year-round.
– Susanna Deepthi
Dear Father, this Christmas, as I share the joys of this season with my friends, neighbours, and relatives, give me an opportunity to share Your love as well. Amen.
