It’s easy to get caught up in my favorite Christmas traditions… Baking cookies, making gingerbread houses, decorating the tree… all things I love to do to celebrate the holiday season, but the real reason for Christmas, Jesus, is what I’d like to share today. I’m not an eloquent writer, so will share this article written by David Mathis from the website Desiring God and scripture from the Bible, below.
Matthew 1:18-23
The Birth of Jesus Christ
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ[a] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed[b] to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).
Luke 2:11-14
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”[a]
In honor of Jesus’ birth, I’ve made these nativity cookies. Because I felt I could never do the designs justice, and inspired by these nativity cookies here, by Amy of amy_cloughd9cookies on Instagram, I made them all white.
The cookie cutters are from CopperGifts.com. Thank you so much for sharing them with me!
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas!
xo,
Marian
From site Desiring God, written by David Mathis, in the article God Came Down:
The magic of Christmas is not just that God himself came from heaven as man. And it is not just that he humbled himself as a servant to meet the needs of others. And it’s not even just that he came to die, to unfold his service all the way to death. The magic is that he came down, and did all that, to rescue us. Such was the promise of God’s messenger from the time of his announcement: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
He came down to rescue us from sin and restore us to the final joy for which we were made: to know and enjoy him. He came to reconcile us “to himself” (Colossians 1:20). He came not to supply us with the bells and whistles of a commercial Christmas, but he “suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).
Kate says
I have those cutter and thought I would never use them. What a beautiful way to use them! Thanks for sharing!
Marian says
Hi Kate, I felt intimidated about decorating them so loved the idea I saw by Amy. I can’t take credit for it (Amy’s idea is linked to in the blog post). I’m so glad you’ll use your cutters now too! Happy decorating and wishing you a wonderful 2017!
Marilyn says
Marian, the Nativity scene is just so beautiful! Thank you again for another year of inspiration and setting that bar a little higher each time! I have to stand on my tippy toes to reach it! I don’t know how many times I’ve told fellow bakers to check out your website for ‘everything’ cookie design and beyond! I decorated cookies again this year. I’d like to think I’m evolving in terms of organization and skill. Hee hee. Wishful thinking maybe?? Merry Christmas Marian! Wishing you and your family a blessed New Year.
Marian says
Hi Marilyn! Thank you for visiting me here and often leaving comments, I appreciate them and your feedback! Thanks also for sharing my site with fellow bakers. Wishing you a great start to 2017!
Marguerite says
Thank you for sharing this post, Marian. These are lovely, and I like that they are all white as snow, pure as a newborn. Have a safe & merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you and your loved ones.
marian says
Hi Marguerite,
Thank you for commenting and for your kind words! I like that they are white too, kind of a symbol of light and good. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all the best for 2017!
Beth says
I have these cookie cutters, but I’ve never used them. It seemed like too much work. You’ve inspired me (again), so I’m thinking I’ll mix up a batch of gingerbread and get to work 🙂
marian says
Hi Beth,
It seemed intimidating to me at first too, but the all white makes it much easier. Glad you were inspired, how did it go? Happy New Year to you!
Laura Thayn @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
What pretty cookies!
marian says
Thanks Laura! All the best to you for the new year!
Glory/ Glorious Treats says
Beautiful post and stunning cookies Marian! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
marian says
Thank you Glory! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you lots of love and all the best for 2017!
Beth Braman says
I love your white nativity set. Thank you for the mention and for your beautiful art!
marian says
My pleasure, and thank you so much for the beautiful cookie cutters! Happy New Year Beth!
Roshini says
Such beautiful cookie nativity scene! wish I could have those cutters. Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year Marian! 🙂
marian says
Thank you Roshini for you comment and for visiting me here! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too! xo
Maria Theresia says
Hi Marian, only now I have found time to visit your blog. Beautiful Nativity Cookies! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. For the New Year all the Best! I’m looking forward to follow you in 2017! Happy New Year!
marian says
Thank you Maria Theresia! Wishing you a wonderful New Year and all the best for 2017!
Anna says
I understand your feelings perfectly – I found it so intimidating to make Nativity scene beautiful enough that I even didn’t buy the cutters. But yours and Amy’s trials are great!
marian says
Thank you so much, Anna! Happy New Year!
Karen @ Sugartown Sweets says
What beautiful Nativity cookies! My daughter gifted me with Nativity cookie cutters for Christmas..now I know exactly how to decorate them. Thank you, Marian! 🙂
marian says
Hi Karen,
I’m so glad you like the idea for your new Nativity cutters! Thanks for visiting me here and wishing you all the best for 2017!
Heather N says
Marian,
I saw the cookies on your IG and loved them, but now just catching up on a bunch of blogs I haven’t had time to read. This post is beautiful! Love to see you sharing your faith!
H.
Rachael says
I agree. Sweet on multiple levels, but the sweetest is the message shared. Hope you had a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!