December 3rd, 2025
Wednesday, December 3rd
Clothed in Love
By Nicole Goddard
Shame.
The feeling that can plague us when we lay our head down at night, replaying the subpar moments of the day or questioning decisions we made. It can keep loved ones apart, fearful of what the other thinks or might say. Shame can inhibit growth and keep us from moving past an act or circumstance.
Shame’s highlight reel of all the ways we’ve messed up or fallen short dates all the way back to the Garden of Eden. After sharing the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve’s eyes and minds had been opened and they knew they were naked. They strung together a few fig leaves as coverings and tried to hide. The very first feelings of shame were a dark shadow to the first grave sin of the world.
To say God was displeased would be an understatement, but a small verse at the end of the story that has always gripped my heart:
The Lord God made clothing from skins for the man and his wife, and he clothed them. Genesis 3:21
In spite of the greatest disappointment, God addressed their pit of shame with compassion and provision. He replaced wilting fig leaves that would never last with animal hides that would cover and protect them. Does this sound familiar?
Centuries later, God would send his son to draw near. Jesus would grow up to love the unlovable and to teach his followers with truth and conviction. When no worldly sacrifice would cover our sins, he would atone for them on a cross.
Don’t let shame keep you from God this Christmas season. Let him clothe you in love and his compassion as you ponder over the baby in the manger.
Clothed in Love
By Nicole Goddard
Shame.
The feeling that can plague us when we lay our head down at night, replaying the subpar moments of the day or questioning decisions we made. It can keep loved ones apart, fearful of what the other thinks or might say. Shame can inhibit growth and keep us from moving past an act or circumstance.
Shame’s highlight reel of all the ways we’ve messed up or fallen short dates all the way back to the Garden of Eden. After sharing the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve’s eyes and minds had been opened and they knew they were naked. They strung together a few fig leaves as coverings and tried to hide. The very first feelings of shame were a dark shadow to the first grave sin of the world.
To say God was displeased would be an understatement, but a small verse at the end of the story that has always gripped my heart:
The Lord God made clothing from skins for the man and his wife, and he clothed them. Genesis 3:21
In spite of the greatest disappointment, God addressed their pit of shame with compassion and provision. He replaced wilting fig leaves that would never last with animal hides that would cover and protect them. Does this sound familiar?
Centuries later, God would send his son to draw near. Jesus would grow up to love the unlovable and to teach his followers with truth and conviction. When no worldly sacrifice would cover our sins, he would atone for them on a cross.
Don’t let shame keep you from God this Christmas season. Let him clothe you in love and his compassion as you ponder over the baby in the manger.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Paralysis of AnalysisA Daily CommitmentChild Like FaithThe Battle of the MindGPSSTOP. THINK. ACT. REVIEW.Let. It. Go.Choosing the Path of MercyQuick to Listen, Slow to SpeakPeacemakersBe Careful What You Wish ForRunYour Old Self Vs. The NewOn Not Loving the WorldLove One AnotherTreasure ChestsWho Sets the Bar?Be the You God Made You to BeTread a PathSo Much Better
February
Trust and ObeyA Pivotal MomentOh to Be the Mama of JesusA Fresh StartVictory or DefeatThe Edge of the CliffAuthorityHis Personal TouchForged by FaithSabbath - Setting You FreeHave You Prayed About It?Don't Build Your House on Sandy LandThe Centurion's FaithDon't Be OffendedWe All Need ItLighthouseIt's a Family ThingWhere the Ministry isHolding on by a Thread - and That's EnoughTraveling Essentials
March
Better is One DayDivine Interruption3 QuestionsThe Childlike ApproachThe Ignored ParableLost in the WoodsGathering or Scattering?Hindering InfluenceWhen Faith Gets a Performance Review"More"Knock KnockA Clear Call to ReadinessSowing SeedsThe Narrow DoorAgainst the GrainDo You Want ItI Once Was LostThe Unjust ManagerActs of Service, Echoes of EternityJust "Thank You"Soon and Very Soon
April
July
Categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments