The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV).

I remember when I got my port (a small contraption that lives just under your skin where chemo drugs are pumped directly into your veins) put in. I was sleeping off the anesthesia in our guest room and woke up sore, stiff, and still drowsy—but when I tried to get up, I couldn’t move. I was totally immobile.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging (Psalm 46:1-3 NIV).

Jessica Bing might just be my most favorite patient who ever walked through the doors of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance. Even saying her name makes me happy. Bing! It just puts a smile on my face!

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy (Psalm 126:5 NIV).

 As a farm boy growing up on the plains of northeastern Colorado, our seasonal year was divided into two parts: preparing for the planting season and preparing for the harvest season. Preparing meant many things to our farm family physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Given the uncertainties of weather, markets, insects, and all else that lay beyond our control, we had to work hard physically—but even harder emotionally and spiritually—first in the planting and later on the harvesting.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46 NIV).

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10 NIV).

 You may have heard me tell the story of when I got taken out by a riptide. Despite swimming where I thought it was safe, the current swept me out to sea and the waves pounded me until I couldn't catch a breath or fight my way back to the shore. Eventually I had to get rescued by a girl on a surfboard.

But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy (Ezra 3:12 NIV). 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

Rick Steves is known for his wonderful travel shows on PBS. In one particular episode he took us all over Europe to highlight the Christmas traditions in the many beautiful countries of Europe. He featured cities like Rome, Paris, Nuremburg, and small villages with enchanting country and local traditions.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined (Isaiah 9:2 NRSV).

Christmas can be an especially important time for cancer patients. The disease can force us through places of deep darkness. We need the Christmas season to remember and celebrate the Light of the World. As difficult and dark as cancer can be, it can never overtake the light of Jesus Christ. 

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:29-30 NIV).

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas story is the appearances of angels. They show up in dreams to Joseph, come face-to-face with Mary, and fill the skies for the shepherds. As a child and even today, these stories make me eager to see an angel, even if only for a moment.

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15 NIV).

Cancer treatment typically begins with a plan. Your oncologist tells you when you will start treatment, when you’ll finish and how frequently you’ll receive a treatment. Looks like a solid plan, but you know how plans are—they change.

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.

After they had heard the king [Herod], they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 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 (Matthew 2:9-11 NIV).

In the struggle of cancer, it’s easy to see that prayer is a precious, unending gift from God. Cancer can drive us to seek God out for wisdom, strength, and perhaps most often, peace. Nothing can produce awe like the sweetness of God’s peace touching you even through a bad cancer day.

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. (Matthew 2:13-15a NIV). 

Cancer can bring turmoil and intense emotions for both patients and caregivers. As a matter of fact, due to cancer, people can experience more intense feelings than they ever have before.

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:3-6 NIV).

A typical attitude when a person is diagnosed with cancer is, “I’m not going to let cancer get in the way of my life.” It might sound like this: “If what I usually do is wake up and make breakfast for my kids and drive them to school, do you know what I’m doing tomorrow? I’m making breakfast for my kids and driving them to school!”

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2 NIV).

There are lots of weird things about cancer. One weird thing is that on the day of diagnosis, many people don’t feel like they have cancer. Why? Because they don’t really feel sick. Even though you did nothing wrong, it seems your life suddenly took a sharp left turn to who knows where.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2 NIV).

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route(Matthew 2:12 NIV).

How’s your cancer walk going? Now, that’s a complicated question, and yet you might have plenty of people ready to share their opinion on it (which may have little connection to what you are actually experiencing). Then there is your medical team, who always seem to give you feedback using numbers. Somehow, these numbers never give the whole picture. So, maybe you begin to look for moreopinions—in not the best places.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger (Luke 2:15-16 NIV).

On that first Christmas, there were some shepherds on the hills outside of Bethlehem who received a special invitation, so they would not miss Christmas. An angel appeared and invited them to Jesus’ Birthday Party. To make sure they understood the immensity of this invitation, a whole choir of angels filled the sky, singing praises to God. You have to admit, that is quite an invitation!

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace.…” (Luke 2:13-14a NIV).

You never imagined having a Christmas invaded by cancer, and yet here you are. When you were diagnosed, they told you how long the treatments would last, but maybe you didn’t realize that you’d be dealing with the mess of cancer past Thanksgiving, through Christmas and even into the New Year. I bet you are ready to just be done.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Christ, the Lord” (Luke 2:9-11 NIV).

Cancer treatment comes with a plan. The plan typically includes multiple doctors, procedures, medicines, and countless waiting rooms. Good cancer news typically sounds like, “Good news! Things are going as planned.” Of course, the plan is to get rid of the cancer, so it is great news to know that the plan is working. You see, if you’re excited about the plan, you’re excited when the plan is working.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night (Luke 2:8 NIV).

Cancer journeys are often more about waiting than doing—waiting for the next treatment, the next scan, the next doctor’s appointment, and ultimately the next bit of news. When you’re busy doing things, it’s easier to think that the news will be good. But, during all the waiting, your tendency can be to start thinking, “What if it’s bad news?” Me—I’m rotten at waiting. I’d much rather be doing.