‘Twas The Week Before Christmas and All Through The House….

‘Twas the Week before Christmas and all through the house were decorations of joy and festive sounds. Looking through the window from the outside lane, you’d be hard pressed not to think it was a quaint “Victorian scene.” Even a Christmas card painting it would seem.

Look a little closer and peek further inside. A slightly different image from the perfect home may be disguised. It may be underlying the stylised “Hallmark Christmas Home”, is the Dickens ‘tiny Tim” version and chronic illness is exposed.

A corner wing chair, a Christmas mug filled with steaming hot tea, still looks so welcoming and quintessentially quaint.

Take a further look at the person sitting there. A pensive look, deep bags under her eyes, a body slightly slumped, a pained frown on her brows. A phone in her hand causes a small smile on her mouth as she reads comments from friends, reaching out their hands.

Virtual hands of support are so welcomed today as this slumped body is struggling to behave.

Underneath the perfection of the Victorian Christmas scene lies a story of grief, of pain and progressive disease.

Does this mean all peace and joy will disappear as she struggles to function and engage in normal festive cheer?

Or is the true meaning of Christmas her joy. Something deeper than ribbons and baubles and toys.

Her eyes suddenly glow as she remembers something special. Today is the third Sunday of Advent, and its message is essential. How could she forget such a special day of joy, a day when her thoughts can be transported and buoyed.

Her pain won’t disappear, her disease will prevail, but her heart and her soul don’t have to sucuumb. She can soar like a bird as joy fills her with memories. Transports her to times when her body wasn’t numb.

His favour is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30v5 New King Janes Version

This story isn’t over, as life is always for living. The festive decorations and Christmas theme throughout her home represent her love of seasons, and their place is set in stone. Surrounded by their cheer, she can more easily reveal that she is filled with a joy deep to her bones.

Joy .. The Third sunday in Avent

On the 3rd Sunday in Advent, the candle lit on the advent wreath represents Joy.

When we think of chronic disease and pain it can be hard to imagine feeling a sense of joy. The Christmas message isn’t talking about a frivolous passing joy that comes from enjoying a moment. It’s talking about a deep joy that comes from knowing that God cares for us, and despite how bad our circumstances are now, there is hope for a brighter future.

“The angels sang a message of JOY! “…the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:7-9)

Love Sam xx 😘

Medical Musings with Friends

If you’re looking for genuine support, care, understanding and friendship, you are so welcome to join my closed Facebook support forum, Medical Musings with Friends . It’s a safe place to connect with others living with chronic and complex diseases, who truly understand the daily challenges. A warm welcome awaits.