My family was poor – in material things – and we lived in what most people would refer to as a "shack". My mother was an amazing woman who somehow managed to raise three children who never thought of themselves as deprived. Many happy times and scrumptious meals were enjoyed around our old, scratched, worn and downright ugly dining room table. That dilapidated table made the entire room ugly – until the day Mama bought the blue tablecloth. As she spread her treasure across that shabby table an amazing thing happened. Not only did the table look beautiful, the whole room looked better!

Love is like that, its mere presence transforming the ugliness of life into a beautiful trophy of grace. Love covers the scars of sin. Love heals wounds and eases the pain of the past. We all need to be loved and we all need to love.

Love is the cornerstone message of Christmas. It is the very reason God sent His one and only Son to us. Jesus was and is the living illustration and certain fulfillment of His Father’s love. The love of God is unconditional, unfailing and will stubbornly pursue us no matter where we go, what we do or don’t do. God’s love satisfies the deepest longings of our soul and enables us to love ourselves and others.

This year, across your defeats spread the hope of a tiny baby lying in a manger! Across your pain spread the unconditional love poured out on a cruel cross! Across your doubts and fears spread the promise of an empty tomb! The love of God covers all and changes everything.

Celebrate Him! Celebrate His love!

My Prayer for Today:

God, I need your love. My life is filled with scars and wounds that can be healed by your love alone. I celebrate the love You so freely offer. I accept the gift of your love and thank you for its transforming power in my heart. I love you, Father, and celebrate your presence and power in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.