Dillon Community Church

Walking into a home filled with the smell of a turkey roasting in the oven, tamales steaming, gingerbread cooking, the woody fresh fragrance of a freshly cut lodgepole pine, or the smoky smell of a fire in the woodstove can take us right back to memories and times we treasure. Each scent can trigger a story or memory – recipes passed down, favorite tunes playing in the background or sung around the piano, worn hands working to make the days special as they care for us or wrap a present, words read from a well-handled leather Bible.

‍

God’s ways of linking our thoughts to simple things like a scent can be magical. Hopefully the memories triggered are sweet ones that anchor us to our faith and our family. Some of us carry harder stories, and Christmas can sting. God knows.

‍

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says how God has made everything beautiful in its time, and He has planted eternity in our hearts. Yet no one of us can fully grasp what God is doing from beginning to end. While we may not understand the gifts God gives us, I love that he has created us with curiosity to know more, to keep reaching for more of Him. This holiday season don’t lose the wonder, remember the magic. Let the smells, the songs, the stories, and the memories of our faith and family remind you that Jesus stepped into every culture, every kitchen, every broken and beautiful life of ours and those sitting next to us in the church pew.

He is still making all things new. So bring your recipe, your memory, bring your hurt or your joy, and set an extra place at the table.

‍

Kathy Jo Pfeifer