SERVE CHRIST THIS HOLIDAY (Christmas Collection)

Forty years ago, I burned a kitchen down making pop tarts. 

This year, I plan to deliver Thanksgiving dinner without setting off the smoke alarm.

To put it mildly, I fall short of being a gourmet chef after all these years. However, I’ll step boldly into the kitchen tomorrow because my battle-weary family needs to be fed.

Cooking and following Christ have so much in common. 

People arrive at our doorstep every holiday season, starved for peace, lacking love, and empty of joy. The little we have or know never seems to be enough.

But if we trust God with our humble efforts, give thanks with a grateful heart, and pass the lumpy potatoes around anyway, we can rest assured that God is cooking up something good in all their lives. 

One glorious day, the crumbs from every imperfect table will lead to the Bread of Life.

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

No one goes hungry when you focus on serving Christ as the main course.

He alone supplies needs, fills hearts, and nourishes withering souls. 

There is no limit to what Jesus can do when you invite Him into your impossible family situation.

After all, He fed over 5,000 people with five rolls and two tiny fish. Imagine what Jesus will do with a few kind words and a good cup of coffee. 

You don’t have to try so hard to make everything pretty. Jesus isn’t worried about your presentation. Chipped china, tarnished pasts, and unpolished stories point directly to the hope of God’s glory shining inside you.

Take it from the girl who torched a pastry or two in her day. Jesus won’t let your holiday efforts go up in smoke.

Be brave. Step into your calling and your kitchen.

We serve a miracle-working God.