Scripture for Today:  Psalm 103:4 “who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.”

While living in France, we enjoyed the “Fête des Rois” (Three King’s Day) every January, celebrating the visit of the wise men to baby Jesus.  It was an occasion to get together and eat a traditional “galette,” a flat flaky cake only available at this time of year.  There is always a ceremony to be followed when eating a galette.  An extra slice was cut for a lost loved one or for the poor.  A child is asked to hide under the table and designate to whom each piece is served.  The guest who finds a small “féve” or figurine in his slice becomes king or queen for the day and wears the paper crown!

In our verse for today God’s love and compassion are depicted as a crown that gives us value and honor.  The context is forgiveness of sin and healing.  In His love He lifts us  up from the pit of guilt and condemnation.  We were unable to crawl out of that pit on our own.  But He had compassion on us and redeemed us at a great price to Himself.  He wore a humiliating and painful crown of thorns in order to crown us with love and compassion!

The fact that He knows every dirty little secret and still loves me is an incredible thought!  He has lifted me up and made me precious with this crown!  His love and compassion make me valuable.  He has set me apart with His crowning distinction.  I can have no other response than to praise Him with my whole life and my entire being!

Thank you Lord, for Your love and compassion crowning this undeserving head!