Aromas of Thanksgiving

Preparations are being made all around the country for the wonderful day that we have set aside to give thanks to Almighty God for the blessings He has bestowed on us individually, on our families, friends and our country. It's warming to recount the past year and, even though we may have had some tough times, some sad events, some heartaches, there were countless blessings from God that we can remember that would override the trials.

My favorite thing about Thanksgiving are the aromas that waft from the kitchen as food is being prepared for the family. The spices of the stuffing, the turkey roasting in the oven, the pumpkin pie smell of allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg, the tartness of the cranberries cooking on the stove all permeate my sense of smell. Your taste buds anticipate the goodness of each bite that you will experience as you sit down to the table to eat.

Did you know that you can permeate the aroma of Christ to those around you to the point that they will anticipate the goodness that awaits them, if they, too, partake of Christ? In II Corinthians 2:14-16, the apostle wrote: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death, to the other, the fragrance of life."

As you make your preparations for Thanksgiving, remember that in whatever task you undertake, permeate the fragrance of Christ to others as you plan, decorate, cook, and serve your family and friends. Let them "smell" the fragrance of Christ in the words you speak, the actions you take, and the hospitality that you extend to them. By your fragrance, they may anticipate that they, too, may want to partake of what you have in Christ.

Happy Preparations!
Sandy