12.15: “Come, Let Us Adore Him”

Third Sunday of Advent  (Joy)

Sunday, December 15

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them the light shined.”   Isaiah 9:2b*

 

One year ago, I felt the sense that I was dwelling in the land of the shadow of death.  My husband was struggling to breathe so much that he was forced to sleep in the recliner, and after x-rays had confirmed that he had a mass pressing on his windpipe, blood vessels, and lungs, it had become clear that he was dealing with some form of cancer.  I can still recall hearing from our daughter, who had read the results, that she was sure it was a cancer, and I couldn’t stop shaking.  It was the moment that I knew that our lives had forever changed- we faced the shadow of death.

Following Paul’s surgery to have stents placed in his veins and airways, he was kept in the ICU under sedation until they could determine which kind of cancer he had.  Based on our discussion with the oncologist, it was clear that some varieties were easier to treat than others.  While I had great support from family and friends, the nights of waiting in the hospital were agonizing as it felt like the night was closing in on us.  I prayed for the strength to accept whatever diagnosis came next, and that I could be the support that Paul needed to face it.  After about four days in the ICU, I received the news that Paul’s cancer was Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a cancer that was considered treatable with chemotherapy.  I remember crying as I thanked God for the blessing of a cancer that we could fight with treatments.  As I heard this news, I was watching the sunrise, orange and rose colored, outside of the hospital room, and its light and warmth renewed my spirit for the challenge ahead.

 

Prayer:

Lord, be with me in those moments when my body, and especially my spirit fails me when faced with what may seem insurmountable hurdles.  Help me remember that you are always with me when I turn to you for support. Your light will always shine on me and will strengthen my resolve as I am encompassed by Your love.

Judy Yettaw