The Fragrances and Heartbeat of Christmas: Guest Writer Barbara Latta

My guest writer this week is Barbara Latta, author of her newly released book, Redemption, The Heartbeat of Christmas. Her post gives you a glimpse of not just another Christmas book to add to your collection, but one that will lead to reflection and even change, as you celebrate. Be sure to read her bio and information for ordering. And comment to be entered into a drawing for a free copy of her book!

Do certain fragrances remind you of Christmas such as gingerbread, roasted turkey, or a fir tree? Maybe you have already begun your decorating and baking to be ready for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

One of my favorite memories is making wassail with my mother. She and I were the only ones in our family who liked this spicy punch. As we shared making this recipe, the scent of cinnamon sticks, cloves, and oranges wafted through the air in her house while the liquid simmered. After an outside Christmas decorating adventure hot drinks heated our insides. We also broke the chill from cold hands with fingers wrapped around a warm ceramic mug.

Have you ever thought about God having a favorite fragrance? Not something in a bottle at the perfume counter in the mall, but a special recipe He created as a spiritual reminder of the future sacrifice of His son.

The Lord gave Moses instructions for making incense to be burned during the Israelites tabernacle and later temple worship. We may not always see the significance of Old Testament practices, but the Lord had a purpose in every instruction He gave. This incense was created from several ingredients that included frankincense and myrrh. Those spices sound familiar, don’t they?

This holy perfume was ground to a fine powder, perhaps to signify the brutal beating Christ would take on our behalf. Strict measures were put into place for this exclusive formula because it was holy. It was never to be used for personal use. Each time the smoke drifted to heaven, it represented the redemption of mankind.

Our Christmas fragrances can remind us of redemption too. Share on X

As we prepare for Christmas with our decorations and recipes, a variety of fragrances will fill the air. Each essence can be a representation of Christ. The aroma of freshly baked bread reminds us of the bread of life. Wassail and other spiced beverages bring to mind gifts of frankincense and myrrh from the wise men. The fruity ingredients prompt us to think about the fruit of the Spirit.

Evergreens can represent eternal life and show us the tree upon which Jesus died. The flame from candles reflects Christ as the light of the world. Each whiff that drifts to our nostrils gives us a gift from the Father to demonstrate the Savior to our senses.

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:14–15 NKJV)

Because of the Son’s sacrifice, believers are a sweet essence to the face of God and a witness of His resurrection to those who are perishing. When we accept Christ’s offering, redemption fills and surrounds us with His aroma.

As we are out among the chaos of the world, kindness, gratitude, and helpfulness can spread an aura that is unfamiliar to the unsaved world. Our behavior can draw others to the sweet infusion of God’s love—maybe for the first time.

Jesus was born to permeate believers with the aroma of His love and future sacrifice.

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Ephesians 5:1–2)

As you unwrap each gift, untie each bow, and open each box at Christmas, think about the body that was torn open for you so that the aroma of Christ’s love could be released.

What other special scents used at Christmas remind you of Christ and His sacrificial gift to us?  Comment and you’re name will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Redemption, the Heartbeat of Christmas.

Barbara Latta is an award-winning writer who has contributed to anthologies, online magazines, and devotional sites, She earned a one-year certificate from Charis Bible College in Colorado and completed the Power Speaking Course through the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.  Her book, Redemption, the Heartbeat of Christmas: What the Birth of Christ Means to the World was released in October 2025 and is available on Amazon in print and kindle.

She writes about living in our identity in Christ at www.barbaralatta.com. You can follow Barbara on Facebook: Barbara Latta, author; X @barbaralatta; and Instagram blatta2.