The long cold months of winter tend to be a challenging season for me. They feel so dark and gloomy and depressing. Baking is one of the things that brings the most joy to me in this season… apart from the ultimate comfort and joy of my relationship with Jesus and experiencing His incredible presence and peace. I’ve sometimes wondered why this is so. Baking has always been something I’ve genuinely enjoyed, but I think part of the reason baking feels so comforting to me in these winter months is because of all the memories I have of baking with my mom in the winter as a child. The winter baking memories that stick in my mind most are baking baskets full of bread, cookies, and mom’s homemade caramels and delivering them to all the neighbors each year, decorating gingerbread cookies as a family event, and enjoying homemade treats along with eggnog or hot chocolate during our nightly advent reading. There were evenings spent listening to Dad read aloud to us, while Mom scooped and baked batches of oatmeal cookies. Somehow, the characters in the stories Dad read always ended up “eating cookies” at random times throughout the pages, and of course, Dad had to pause for a bite or two of cookie whenever this happened. I’m grateful for these fond memories and grateful to still be able to enjoy baking in these winter months, and getting to share that joy of baking with students on occasion is extra special! —Rachel Faust
God With Us
Immanuel Mission 