Especially Fond of You

Last week I finally read The Shack.  It's a controversial book many see as blasphemous because of how God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are portrayed.  God says we are made in His image, so I suppose He could look like any one of us.  I just can't imagine what He looks like, but the author of the book decided God would appear as a black "mammy" type character who is always in the kitchen cooking up some super delicious food.  There's a reason God chose this human image, but in case you haven't read the book and want to I won't give the reason away.

Jesus is a carpenter and comes across as somewhat like a lovable good ole "bubba."  Finally, the Holy Spirit is an Asian woman, who is shimmery and fades in and out like she's moving between dimensions.

One reviewer of the book thought the characters were buffoonish.  Perhaps a little, but it is a work of fiction, and who can say that God wouldn't do something just like this especially if He has a sense of humor.

The key to the book is the message - God is especially fond of His creation - us.  He tells the main character, "I'm especially fond of you."  He tells the main character he's especially fond of the man's daughter.  He sends a message by the main character for his best friend - "He's especially fond of you."

The bible tells us God loves us so much He sent His only son to save us.  As Christmas approaches, I'm going to try to focus on God's love.  God so loved me He sent His son to give me the greatest gift I will ever receive - eternal life.  Through Jesus He showed He is especially fond of me.  And whether you believe it or not, He's especially fond of you too.