One of my earliest and most favorite memories of Christmas was getting a large box in the mail from my Grandma in December. The box would be cold from spending so much time in transit. Inside we knew there were presents–perfectly wrapped wonderful thoughtful gifts–but those we had to wait for Christmas morning to arrive. On top of the presents was something we could enjoy immediately–a package of cookies that she would make and decorate and send out–every year. How I loved that delicious symbol of her love for me (and sugar). Now, before you start to worry about my sweet tooth, or wonder if I am sitting here in a glycemic coma–let’s talk about the symbolism of Christmas goodies. (Besides diabetes and cavities)
Here are 5 things I have learned from Christmas cookies/goodies about my relationship with Christ.
- Sa-wweeett! Well this is a no-brainer–they are good. The heady rush of sugar and food safe dyes–it gives us a high that helps intensify the wonderful spirit we feel at Christmas. We soon associate Christmas itself with all things sweet and wonderful! Shouldn’t we look at the gospel of Christ like this all the time?
- Effort. I don’t know about you, but I have made cut out sugar cookies before. In fact, I have made them a LOT and this year I am holding off my 10 year old with the plea that we wait for next week when there is no school and we have plenty of time to chill the dough, roll them out, decorate them, etc. Making these is work. Consider Mary’s travail to bring the baby Jesus into the world. How about the efforts Joseph made at keeping them safe. Or the wise men–how far they travelled to reach the infant.
- Love. This goes with #2. I don’t make cookies for just anyone, which I think people assume that I do. For me, the effort of sugar cookies particularly is a symbol of Love. How much does God the Father love us to send his Son?
- Patience & Dedication. This is in reference to the time and energy it takes to make cookies look nice and not like the frosting and sprinkle bottle threw up on them. Everything that God has given us was given with intention and attention to detail. He doesn’t skip steps or take short-cuts. God waits for the right time and the cookies are baked properly and cooled and ready for their coating of glory [meaning frosting and sprinkles]. God and Christ are dedicated to their purpose and their work.
- Cooperation. Yes, I could make the cookies myself this week while the kids are at school, but then I am robbing them of that joy. It is more enjoyable for all of us when we work together. God doesn’t need for us to do things, he invites us to participate in his work and joy. God invited both Mary and Joseph to be participants in something glorious. The angels invited the shepherds to seek the infant Jesus. Are we hoarding the joy of the message of Christ for ourselves or are we sharing that sweet goodness with others.
Cookies could be cookies, or they could be something more. They can be traditions of love and family and joy. They can be symbols of God’s love for us, of the sweetness of the season, of the blessing that is this gospel. Consider that next time you bite into a cookie encrusted with frosting and sugar–or see your young children whose mouths have been dyed green from food coloring. Look beyond the immediate–embrace the deeper meaning.
