This is a first for me, as far as celebrating Advent goes. It's something that I truly have never experienced. But I've been studying the reason for Advent and this is how it is being manifested so far!
I started this Cookie Advent on a whim... each day in December, I've been changing my facebook https://www.facebook.com/alisa.johnson.735 profile picture to the cookie of the day and sharing the recipe and a few random thoughts about Jesus and cookies... I can see that I began slowly, but each day my heart is getting more full (and my thoughts more focused)!
Cookie advent day 1 - English Toffee cookies. Jesus is THE sweet in life! We should anticipate Him like we do anticipate when the house is filled with wonderful smells!
Cookie advent day 2 - Almond Toffee cookies. Some eyes are almond shaped. God did this on purpose! He knows every hair on your head and you are the apple of HIS eye!
Cookie Advent day 3 - Cake Cookies. Jesus doesn't play favorites like people do. He accepts us just the way we are. I always taught my children that people come in all different colors and sizes. What a blessing to know that Jesus loves us!
Cookie Advent day 4 - Candy Cane S'mores. What's not to love about the candy cane? I would guess it's THE most popular candy this time of year. My favorites are Bob's brand!
The hard candy symbolizes the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ. The traditional two colors represent the sinless birth of Jesus and HIS shed blood.
The shape can be thought of in two ways; "J" for Jesus or the shepherds staff which He uses to guide His wayward sheep. " Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved..." (Romans 10:13)
Cookie Advent day 5 - Ginger Cookies. Ahhh... ginger. The smell and thought of gingerbread is very much a Christmas smile. God made ginger, it was His idea! A root, actually. The flowering plant is beautiful, and then tucked underground is this wonderful medicinal, soothing, root.
When God created the earth and all the plant life, He had a perfect design. He likes to get to the root of things. He's not so much interested in externals. He knows the treasure lies within.
Our hearts are important to Him, he knows that there lies what he treasure most in us! This wonderful season is all about how He seeks us; came to earth to redeem us, longs for us to receive Him.
Cookie Advent day 6 - A Cup of Everything Cookies! Luke 6:38 "give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Giving seems to be the theme on my heart this morning... These delicious cookies remind me to throw it all in the mixing bowl of life; put your all in there! Whatever we have to give, can be a blessing no matter how meager.
It is truly more blessed to give than receive! God gave us the ultimate example when He sent Jesus to give His life for us, no one can top that gift!
Cookie Advent day 7 - Sour Cream Sugar Cookies. It's funny how at the busiest time of the year, we often take time to decorate sugar cookies! This is not an easy task, but with beautiful results!.
We also decorate our homes (some people even decorate their car)! God is the master designer and decorator, all one must do is simply look at a flower (like the poinsettia) to see that.
Last year I decided on a 'theme' for my Christmas decorations. It's the word JOY (Jesus-Others-You). All my Christmas decorations include that word or theme. It's a good reminder to me that Jesus is the provider of my joy! Joy is not like happiness... happiness is fleeting (and usually tied to material things), but joy goes deep into the soul. Joy is something that one can have in their heart even when everything around them is chaos. Joy is peace personified! It truly comes from putting Jesus and Others before self.
These recipes can be found at http://www.thisheartofmineblog.com/2011/11/16/25-days/ and http://www.roxanashomebaking.com/candy-cane-smores-recipe/
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