It’s that time of the year. It’s time for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus. There are many different ways that people choose to recognize the significance of this time of year. It may be giving gifts to those they care about. It may be putting up a tree that may symbolize us reaching to heaven or life’s triumph over death. The common traditions are observed by people all over the world. However, each family often develops its own traditions that bring the holiday new meaning. One of the traditions that has been a part of my children’s lives and now mine, is making candy cane cookies. These cookies feature a sugar cookie dough that been divided into 2 parts. One part is flavored and the other is colored red and flavored. Small ropes of the dough are twisted into the candy cane form and baked. The candy cane has a history of religious symbolism. The color, the shape, and the stripes all served to remind people of the true meaning of Christmas… the gift of Jesus.
I have to admit that the cookies are quite tasty, but they are so much more. The candy cane cookies represent the life that my children had before they knew me. I believe that making the candy cane cookies was an activity that my children shared with their mother throughout their childhood. Now, for my children, the candy cane cookies take them to a time and place when their mother was with them and what a wonderful person she was. A cookie serves to ground them in the rich heritage of knowing God personally. The cookie certainly represents the gift of Jesus Christ, but it also represents the gift that Kathy gave to me…her children. Yeah, it’s just a cookie, but every time I taste one, I say a silent ”Thank you” to God for the gift of Jesus Christ and “Thank you” to Kathy for the gifts of Bob, Jeramy, Andy, Corey, and Crystal.
I have to admit that the cookies are quite tasty, but they are so much more. The candy cane cookies represent the life that my children had before they knew me. I believe that making the candy cane cookies was an activity that my children shared with their mother throughout their childhood. Now, for my children, the candy cane cookies take them to a time and place when their mother was with them and what a wonderful person she was. A cookie serves to ground them in the rich heritage of knowing God personally. The cookie certainly represents the gift of Jesus Christ, but it also represents the gift that Kathy gave to me…her children. Yeah, it’s just a cookie, but every time I taste one, I say a silent ”Thank you” to God for the gift of Jesus Christ and “Thank you” to Kathy for the gifts of Bob, Jeramy, Andy, Corey, and Crystal.
Beautifully stated. I can't help but think that the Holm children must look up and say a thank you for you too. A match made in heaven.
ReplyDeleteI am also very thankful for my son, Justin. He became part of the family just before his Senior year in high school. He is a wonderful blessing but came to us from different circumstances. =)
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