Our faithful Keurig coffeemaker gets up before we do! His built in timer awakens him a few minutes before our alarm goes off, so we arise each morning to the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee! And seriously, it’s much easier to roll out of bed and face the day when you’re greeted by the promising fragrance of French roast.
The fragrance of foods plays
a big role in our enjoyment of life and, specifically, working in the kitchen and preparing for holidays. Around Thanksgiving, we look forward to the wonderful bouquet of a pumpkin pie baking in the oven, of hot apple cider sprinkled with cinnamon, and a piece of seasoned redwood crackling in the fireplace. At Christmas we delight in the scent of apple strudel with vanilla sauce, and festive garlands made of fir cuttings and pine cones.
Smells can communicate powerful messages to the brain — sometimes of a subliminal nature. They can attract or repulse us; put us in a relaxed mood or make us feel anxious. They can make us hungry or cause us to lose our appetites; and they have the ability to conjure up vivid images of the past. In fact, many of our fondest memories are usually linked to the smells of childhood. That’s why the aroma of fresh baked bread can transport you back to the home of a loving grandmother; and the perfume of freshly-mown grass can remind you of summer days long gone and family cookouts with ripe watermelon.
The Bible frequently references the sense of smell to illustrate some important truths. For instance, the Apostle Paul wrote, “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 NLT) God’s signature fragrance is love!
In the Old Testament, God’s people would offer Him symbolic sacrifices. (See Exodus 29:18, 25 and Numbers 15:5) The “soothing aroma” of these offerings anticipated the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ on the cross, which paid — once and for ALL — the penalty for our sins. Therefore, “…We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10 NIV)
Christ is often called the Bread of Life. (John 6:33, 35, 48 and 51) The sacrifice of the Holy Bread of Life released the most intense “soothing aroma” of God’s signature fragrance: LOVE!
“For God loved the world so much that he gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT) Love! It’s the “essence” of our Heavenly Father, who He is, what He works in His divine wisdom, and Why He accomplishes it. Love is God’s delicious and comforting aroma of the Bread of Life!
Can you smell the Love of God in your life? Today God is proclaiming to you, “I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3 GOD’S WORD) What a rich and wonderful aroma!
