Sprinkles for the Savior
Sprinkles for the Savior
The Christmas season often brings with it many traditions, especially those that include extra baking of all sorts of treats. My childhood through my adulthood with my own children included the usual making of sugar cookies in the shape of reindeer, bells, snowmen, trees, and such. Of course, they all had enormous globs of icing with way too many sprinkles to add to the sugar feast. The cookie making was just a prelude to the special baked good that appeared on Christmas morning: Jesus’ birthday cake bread. Making this bread was a tradition that brought the real meaning of Christmas.
Jesus’ birthday cake bread was almost as highly anticipated as the opening of presents when I was a child. This bread seemed to melt in your mouth with its touch of cinnamon, raisins, a light vanilla glaze, and sprinkles. Everything tastes better and brings a sense of celebration when sprinkles are added! We all sang “Happy Birthday” to Jesus before we collectively blew out the candles. It seemed odd at first to sing to one we could not see, but as I learned more about how Jesus is always where I am, watching me and loving me, singing to Him seemed to be such an honor.
The birthday cake bread for Jesus I make now is not fully homemade like my Mom made, but still has the icing, sprinkles, and candles arranged with care. Singing happy birthday to Jesus and enjoying this treat comes before stockings and presents are opened and sets the tone for the day.
There is another song by Carol Cymbala with lyrics that so perfectly describe Jesus as the gift. “Happy birthday, Jesus. I’m so glad it’s Christmas. All the tinsel and lights and the presents are nice, but the real gift is you.” The angels of long ago on Jesus’ birthday are our model. “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’” (Luke 2:13-14)
Be like the angels this Christmas and every day. Gather and praise God for being the gift of love that came to rescue us and bring us closer to Him so that we can have a life now and for eternity with Him. Happy Birthday to You, Jesus.
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