Leukemia

Matthew 14:
And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

My friend's wife will spend this Christmas in the hospital. I have tried to imagine redeeming this moment a number of ways, and have even made a suggestion or two, but I guess the truth is that her immune system will be so broken that any kind of community blessing is out of the question.

As I consider it again and again, my heart winces at the mere idea of not being at home with my family to celebrate the birth of my Jesus. I pray that her bone marrow transplant is successful, that her body does not reject it, and that her family will continue to be broken before a mighty God and awesome Healer.

Lord Jesus, let this be the gift of not just life -- but Life.