Clothed with Christ: From Broken to Beloved

Every morning we wake up and put on clothes before we step out into the world. But have you ever thought about what it means to be spiritually clothed? Scripture uses this image often to describe what happens when we come to Christ: our old garments of sin and shame are taken off, and we are clothed with something entirely new.

Paul writes, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). To “put on Christ” is to be wrapped in His righteousness, to be covered by His holiness, and to be secured in His identity. We no longer wear the rags of our failures, the tatters of our shame, or the threadbare labels others have placed on us. Instead, we are clothed in Christ Himself.

This is the miracle of Advent. The baby born in Bethlehem came to give us more than forgiveness—He came to give us a new identity. In Christ, we are not just “better versions” of our old selves; we are new creations. As Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

When you feel the weight of who you once were—or when shame tries to whisper lies—remember what you are wearing. You are dressed in Christ’s perfect righteousness. You are not defined by your sin, but by your Savior. Advent reminds us that Christ came into the world not only to rescue us, but to remake us—transforming us from broken to beloved.

As you reflect this week, consider these questions:

• What “old clothes” of sin or shame do you find yourself still wearing?

• How does remembering that you are clothed in Christ change the way you see yourself?

• How might you encourage someone else this week with the truth of their new identity in Christ?

Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, thank You for taking off my old garments of sin and shame and clothing me with Your righteousness. Help me to remember that I am beloved, chosen, and new in You. Teach me to walk in this identity with joy and freedom. Amen.

If you want to go deeper with us, pick up your copy of Not Overcome for Advent!