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.
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