As I close my eyes, I can almost smell the aroma of freshly baked cookies and coffee filling the air. Soon it will be the day our family gathers for what we call “baking day” — a tradition carried for decades now, with three generations represented in my mom’s kitchen. We pull out the flour and sugar, and the baking begins with aprons tied, three KitchenAid mixers humming, and recipe cards smudged with butter and batter from years past.
But baking day is about so much more than cookies cooling on the counter. It’s the sacred rhythm of gathering. It’s daughters and granddaughters laughing as they frost sugar cookies. It’s adult kids making space in their busy schedules to come home . . . and the shared stories that weave our family together.
It’s also a reminder of the faith planted in us when we were children. Hymns play in the background as we roll out the dough. Conversations turn to the Christmas Eve service we’ll soon attend. While cookies fill the tins, Christ fills the center of our celebration. Because, while family traditions may fill our homes with sweetness, it’s the faith we pass down that nourishes hearts for generations.
In Acts 2:46 (NIV), we are reminded, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Our family’s baking tradition is one small glimpse of that gladness — an echo of what it means to gather, break bread, and rejoice in the hope of Jesus.
The legacy of faith and the legacy of baking are both gifts that get passed down, generation to generation. And while our cookies may never look Pinterest-worthy, they do carry something far sweeter: The story of God’s goodness at work in our family.
At the end of the day, with a full belly and a full heart, I am reminded of Mary’s posture:
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19
That’s what baking day is for me — a chance to treasure, to pause, to ponder. And maybe that’s the invitation for all of us this Christmas. That, beyond simply passing down recipes, we pass down a legacy of faith that nourishes souls long after the last cookie is gone.
I wish I could experience this. Maybe next year.
I pray that you will too Gail, thank you for reading this!
YUM! \0/
Thanks Janet…they were all so good! 🙂
Great reminder, Tana! I especially resonated when you said, “And while our cookies may never look Pinterest-worthy, they do carry something far sweeter: The story of God’s goodness at work in our family.” He is at work in our families in the ordinary and traditions.
Thank you for the encouragement! Great devotional
Awe, thank you Mo! I hope you had a great Christmas!
Simple baking has been my lifesaver this year. With just my husband and I home this year and still recovering from neck surgery,it has been a great distraction. Would love to do it with my granddaughters but not this year. Simply trying recipes and giving the cookies away to friends and neighbors has been a mental release. Nothing fancy or perfect but just a bit of love towards others. It can look different for each and everyone. Thank you for the reminders.
Susan, I love this! It’s so fun trying new recipes…baking is it’s own therapy. Praying your husband recovers quickly from his surgery! Blessings to you!
For many years we would drive to Colorado to visit our two daughters for Thanksgiving week . Our baking cutout cookies was during this time…. with just one extra large Kitchen Aid and four grandchildren each one year apart . Children would help to load the mixer, then with more energy than needed , they would grab favorite cookie cutters and get those cookies on the trays. To the oven and out again for frosting…..and eating. Talking and laughing and now I see that we talked about the real Christmas , maybe I could have been more vocal and singing carols. However, when the little ones are moving so fast , it’s hard to keep up. Hope they will remember those special days…. as days for Jesus’ birthday.
Love this devotional , Tana, but how do I copy it / print it to send to my daughters ? I do not do X P and FB.
Wanda they will remember those days for sure! I love that. Here is a link to the article if you want to copy and paste it!
https://incourage.me/?p=255543
I hope this helps! 🙂
What a special blessing that your family has by getting three generations together. And you are so right it’s more than just cookies. It is a tradition of faith and the meaning of Christmas that makes a difference.
Thank you Rena!❤️
What a wonderful reminder that it is in the everyday tasks of life that the love of Jesus is shared from one to another! I’m so glad your family enjoys the baking day tradition and thankful you inspired us with this beautiful reminder that Christ is in the everyday moments of our lives, bringing love, joy, peace and sweetness ☺️
Thanks Kelli! 🙂
The article resonated with me. My mom and I started baking when I was a young girl, as the years passed we continued with my children. I cherished this tradition till the year my mom passed away. For some years I baked alone and it was good but not the fun and happiness I felt before. This year my sister and I baked together again and it made me feel so close to my mom. Hopefully we can continue next year.
Tana,
Your family is blessed to have “baking day”. Little ones learn the art of baking while older ones share stories of faith & love. None of my sisters lives near me & my mom didn’t enjoy cooking or baking. Hubby & I have a holiday tradition of watching Charlie Brown Christmas & How the Grinch stole Christmas. They both have a hint of faith in them.
Blessings 🙂
Yesssss️
Yesssss️