Perspective: The scars on Jesus after his resurrection have served as an affirmation that I am indeed made in the image of God, and abuse being part of my story does not damage that image, nor does it make me less worthy.
Commentary: During Advent, we focus so much on the expectant hope and joy that comes with anticipating the birth of Jesus because it is deeply uncomfortable to focus on the essential context that Jesus is born into a broken, unjust world.