I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but you are loved.
In fact, you are so loved that God is, right now, smiling right at you.
Can you feel God’s appreciative gaze?
Do you feel the warmth of it?
Do you see the light of God’s smile brightening the path before you?
This gaze of love is there for you no matter what.
It’s there even if you are struggling right now.
It’s there if you are not.
It’s there even if you feel like an external mess.
It’s there even if you feel like an internal mess as well.a
It’s there if you feel you have it all pretty much together.
It’s there even if you are completely unaware of the warmth and light and joy it offers.
God’s gaze of love is unfailing.
This morning, I’m writing this down as much for me as I am for you.
I feel like I need to be reminded of the truth of these words right now.
Do you?
“Behold the one beholding you and smiling.”
God’s gaze on you is as strong and true and proud and loving as I imagine God’s gaze was staring down at the Lord lying in a manager.
You are a child of God.
So am I.
So as we enter the next two weeks of holiday chaos and joy filled celebration, let us pause to feel that appreciative gaze.
It is there for each one of us.
No. Matter. What.
