Masks and social distancing have become such a part of our lives this year, it seemed appropriate to commemorate them with these ornaments. I know, you’re probably tired of the whole thing—the discomfort, the nuisance, etc., etc….. None of us really likes these precautions, important though they may be. Yet out of concern for the safety of others, for our own protection, or because of rules and regulations, we wear our masks and we keep our distance.
But for some of us, masks and distancing go way back, long before Covid. Now I’m not talking about N95’s or fabric; but many people—myself included—know what it’s like to try and mask our flaws and weaknesses. We convey ”I’m fine” when really we’re hurting. We make a show of strength when really we’re struggling. We feel like we’re supposed to have it all together, so we fake it. We’re sure that no one could possibly love us or even like us if they knew “the real me”, so we put up a wall, and isolate ourselves behind it. For some, a past hurt like a betrayed trust caused us to build these defenses, and now we guard ourselves. We stay in our own little bubble, even when we are out in public. On the outside, we may be smiling and laughing along with everyone else, but inside we still have our guard up emotionally and keep others at arm’s length and beyond.
Tiring as it is, it’s all too easy to grow accustomed to that protective layer, to have our sense of security become attached to these defense mechanisms. Although for now we have to continue being careful about the virus, there is a way to drop that invisible mask, a way to tear down the walls of emotional distance. That way is through a friendship with Jesus based on His love for you. You see, it is impossible to really hide our flaws and weaknesses from God, the one who knows all things. No mask, no emotional wall, can hide our true self from God—He knows us, “warts and all”. And this was His response: to come to Earth, God in human flesh, to live a perfect life as we could never do, and to die a painful and shameful death in our place. He did this to take the punishment for our sins, so that our wrongs would not have to keep us separate from God. This payment in our place makes an authentic relationship with God possible, a relationship with no place for hiding or pretending. The one who knows us best truly does love us most! That’s the opposite of what we often expect, isn’t it? If we ever question God’s love, the cross stands as a reminder of the lengths to which He will go—and did go—for me and for you! And that’s not all—everyone who accepts Jesus’ death as their substitute has the assurance of God’s loving oversight throughout their lives. He already paid the greatest price for all of the bad things you and I will ever do—there’s really no reason to hide anymore once we reckon with the depth of Jesus’ love. All it takes is to acknowledge your sins and accept that Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself on the cross was payment for your sins. Taking this step begins a new friendship with God, where His love encompasses you, and holds you through all the ups and downs of life, caring for you, loving you without fail, in your flaws and failures as well as in your triumphs.
Whether or not you can relate to the emotional masking and distancing I described earlier, I hope that you do recognize Jesus’ amazing love for you, and I pray that you experience the comfort and freedom His love can bring to your life.
I wish you and your family health and peace this holiday season and in the New Year.