We are in such a beautiful season, I think it would be good for us to review one of the many reasons we have to celebrate. The life of Christ reminds us that as unworthy as we are, He has made us worthy through His love. Merry Christmas, my friends!

I am an undeserving woman. I miss the mark every day. My thoughts are impure, my hands unclean, and my heart deceitful.

Yet I am loved. Loved by the most beautiful Lover the universe has ever known.

I am unworthy of such affection, such sacrifice, such unconditional acceptance. Still, He beckons me to come to Him. With arms wide open, His passion-filled eyes send one unmistakable message: “I love you - just the way you are.”

My garments are dingy and ragged. I have no wardrobe worthy of meeting such Holiness. Yet I am drawn. Drawn by the purity of His presence. Drawn by the glow of His countenance. Drawn by His unspoken affirmation. I am His. He loves me. Just the way I am.

So I close my eyes and walk toward my Lover. The closer I come, the more intense the wooing. The more intense the warmth. The more intense the invitation. And the less I am aware of my unworthiness.

I kneel at His feet and hesitantly touch his garment, hoping He will somehow accept my meager worship. Suddenly, my merciful Lover stoops to raise me to my feet. He tenderly lifts my chin, cradles my face in his gentle hands, and whispers, “Open your eyes, Beloved.”

As I obey, I drink from the fountain of love in His captivating gaze. The more I drink, the deeper the well becomes. I find my reflection in the many facets of His penetrating eyes.

Where are my dingy, ragged garments? He has clothed me in white linen. Where is my shameful countenance? He has lavished me with praise. Where are my impure thoughts, my unclean hands, my deceitful heart? He has baptized me in His cleansing love.

I am an undeserving woman. I miss the mark every day. But I am loved by the most beautiful Lover the universe has ever known. Just the way I am.