I remember walking in the house at Christmas and following the smell into the kitchen of my Aunt & Uncle. Aunt Ma’rella’ (Mary Ella) was my mother’s sister and we spent almost every holiday at their house. There was always great food, but at Christmas they (the sisters) took it to a new level.  

What started when the door opened was more than the smell of good food, it was the expectation of what was to come. It was the joy & laughter that came from the kitchen. It was a special time when the crystal, china & silverware was set out on the huge table. It truly was a meal fit for a king.  

Aroma is the silent & unseen messenger to our heart & mind. Describing them is next to impossible. Aromas are something you experience & remember. Aroma can take you instantly back to another time…to set the stage of what is to come.  As Believers we are told, “Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.” 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 (MSG). When I Googled the word, redolent, I found, “…smelling strongly of something or having qualities (especially smells) that make you think of something else… having a pleasant odor; fragrant.” So, how do you smell to the people who meet you? Our witness is like food, it can meet the basic nutrient requirements, but are you attracting? As a follower of Christ, do you give off an aroma that makes people hungry to know more?

Not only is our aroma important to the people we meet but to God. “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5:2. This is how you can bring a smile to God…be the aroma that attracts people to Him.

We need to stop offering people Christ wrapped in a fast-food wrapper and get in the kitchen of life and put something in the oven. Company is coming…and so is Jesus!