A New Normal for Christmas, December 21
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Karen Tripp
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:10-11 NIV).
Has anyone told you that with cancer, you have to find your new normal? One reaction to this could be, “That’s a relief. Cancer has made things different, but everything will be all right. I can deal with that.” Another reaction might be, “I don’t want a new normal, I want my old normal back.” I can easily understand both reactions. It’s hard to know how cancer will change your life or how people will react to the changes.
So, what might a “new normal” mean when it comes to Christmas? Often at Christmas, we find ourselves giving gifts to the Christ Child through caring for the people around us. Perhaps this Christmas, cancer is getting in the way of your gift giving. Maybe this year you will not be giving the gift of hospitality by hosting Christmas dinner, or the gift of service by helping to decorate the church. It could be that finance concerns leave you unable to purchase gifts for loved ones as you have in the past. Or maybe your role has changed in the family, so being the handyman or the master cook is out of the question.
This year, you might have new gifts to give.
“What? Are you nuts? First, I’m dealing with cancer. Second, I’m in no place to learn anything new right now.”
Check out this verse: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Does the verse say, “God prepared in advance for you to do these things ... unless you get cancer?” Of course not! If you think about it, you know that cancer is certainly not going to get in the way of what God has prepared.
So, what kinds of gifts might you be able to give this Christmas? Precious ones! To name a few, how about:
· Humor
· Presence
· Joy
· Touch
· Companionship
· Guidance
· Delegation
· Receiving
· Kindness
· Encouragement
· Prayer for others
Although you may like to give many of these gifts, they still are not what you were planning to give this Christmas. In addition, over the years your loved ones have come to expect a different type of gift from you that requires a level of activity or expense that may not be realistic this year. That’s OK. They too will come to understand the new normal. And look at that list of gifts again. Who would not want such gifts?
God is not surprised that you are dealing with cancer this Christmas, and cancer has not deterred Him from preparing in advance the good works you are to do. They just may not be the good works that you were planning. Open yourself up to all the ways God has for you to give to others this Christmas and beyond. This new normal gift giving might turn out to be the best yet.
Pray: Jesus, You hold me and all those I know in Your loving hands. You have laid out ways for me to give to others, and cancer will certainly not get in the way of Your plans. Open my heart so I may know the words that need to be spoken, the kindness shared, or the action initiated to give a gift to another. I am Yours in all things. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Be still, listen, and let God lead you in all the wonderful ways He has planned for you to give to others this Christmas. While listening to Yancy's “The Greatest Gift,” remember God's greatest gift to you is His Son, Jesus, and sharing the good news about Jesus is the best gift you have to give.
Karen Tripp, MS, LMFT, Cancer Caregiver
Karen is the Executive Director of Cancer Companions, the premiere national Christian cancer ministry (https://www.cancercompanion.org). Her roles have included authoring several Christian books including God is Bigger Than Your Cancer and working as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is a daughter of a colon cancer survivor. Karen uses her experience to teach how to step into another person’s struggle to help build their faith while strengthening your own.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
