My husband and son are avid deer hunters. Over the years, they have accumulated a huge amount of hunting supplies and equipment .... including body care and cleaning products. They actually use certain shampoo, soap, deodorant, and laundry detergent developed just for hunters. These products are designed to prevent and eliminate body odor to keep their prey from being alerted to their presence.

Webster defines aroma as a distinctive pervasive and usually pleasant or savory smell. The use of the products that my husband and son utilize supposedly neutralizes their scent....to keep the deer from detecting their smell. They do this because they definitely do not want a pervasive odor to interfere with their hunt.

On the other hand, today's scripture reveals that we are called "to spread knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume." In fact, we are told that our lives should be "a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God." God does not want us to mask His presence in our lives. Instead, He wants us to shower it on everyone we encounter so that they can smell the fragrance of Him through us.

I am sure we can all bring to mind the smell of freshly baked cookies, a favorite fragrant candle, or a special perfume. The memories of these scents can bring us back to the exact moment and even the place that we experienced these aromas....times that we cherish....times that we hold dear! Sadly, many individuals have not allowed the sweet aroma of Christ to penetrate their lives. Deterrents such as busyness, hurts, fear, and resentment can block His fragrance....can keep them from fulfilling the plans that He has for their lives.

Are we living our lives in a way that emits the fragrance of Christ to others? Are people drawn to us because of the sweet perfume of His presence in our lives?

My challenge to you today is to make every effort this Christmas season to draw closer to Him. Find ways to reach out to those in need or to the lonely. By doing so, everyone He sends along your path WILL smell His fragrance in you and WILL be drawn to Him.

Dear Lord, I pray to always be used by You. Help me to exude the sweet aroma of You to my family, friends, and others that I encounter. Bring them to a closer relationship with You and let them experience You in a life-changing manner.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.