When A Virus Steals Your Christmas (Again)
Encourage My Hope Monthly(ish) Newsletter No. 7
It started the day before Christmas break.
My oldest son (8) began to complain of headaches and fatigue and, quite frankly, looked a bit run down.
Surely not, I thought to myself. Surely this can’t be happening again. Not three years in a row.
But it was happening again. By the next morning, my son had a full-blown respiratory virus complete with headaches, fevers, congestion, and a cough that would not quit. By Christmas Eve, my younger son had been struck down by the same virus with all the aforementioned symptoms.
It was the third Christmas in a row we would be stuck at home in our self-imposed quarantine with two very sick kiddos.
I didn’t completely lose my yuletide optimism until the vomiting started. That was when my Christmas spirit crumbled.
And yet, the memory of that Christmas day, with just the four of us will stay with me forever. Although all our plans with extended family had to be canceled, there was something unbelievably sweet in our quiet, simple, small celebration for which I will forever be grateful, sniffles and all.
I’ve become quite accustomed to disappointments and canceled plans over the past several years. Having an unpredictable chronic illness will do that.
But I’ve also learned how to actively seek joy and gratitude even when the circumstances seem bleak. It’s not easy, and it takes a lot of hard work and practice (often accompanied by much grumbling and fist-clenching) to find joy in dire circumstances, but God’s grace is always present in our darkest moments. Joy is ours for the taking if we know how to look for it, and who to look to for it.
So whatever kind of Christmas you had, and whatever the new year holds for you and me, I pray that God would continuously open our eyes to see the joy he is holding out to us in any and every circumstance. And I pray that we will be brave enough to take it.
My somewhat disappointing Christmas reminded me of a post I wrote several years ago about finding joy when your Christmas is broken. You can read it by clicking below.
NEW in the EMH Shop!
Spending lots of time at home with sick kiddos (and a chronic illness) has afforded me ample time to work on some new Bible study products. I’m excited to present you with several new tools to help you abide in God’s Word in the coming new year!
Rooted in Time: A Chronological Bible Reading Plan and Journal
Read the Bible in the order in which the historical events occurred. This undated journal includes a chronological Bible reading plan and daily reflection questions to help you read and understand the broad scope of God’s Word better! Available in paperback, digital, or printable formats.
Ruth: An Inductive Bible Study Workbook
Use the Inductive Study Method to take a deep dive into the book of Ruth. The workbook includes clear instructions, ample space for note-taking, and QR codes to connect you to reliable Bible study resources. Available in paperback, digital, and printable formats.
Until January 5, get 25% off the digital product of your choice with code: NEWYEAR25
(this code is for products in the Encourage My Hope Etsy shop only)
My Favorite Books of 2024
Here are some of the books I enjoyed the most in 2024. (Please remember: inclusion on this list does not equal a full endorsement. I listen and read widely. Please explore these recommendations at your discretion.)
Books I read:
All My Knotted Up Life by Beth Moore — Beth Moore’s memoir was compelling, funny, heartbreaking, and edifying. It’s a must-read!
The Women by Kristin Hannah — I’ve read several books from famed historical fiction writer Kristin Hannah. This one was my favorite. It was heart-wrenching, eye-opening, and ultimately, redemptive.
Upon Waking by Jackie Hill Perry — This was my go-to devotional for this year. Jackie Hill Perry has a compelling and beautiful way of stirring my affection for Scripture.
Never Cast Out by Jasmine Holmes — This book inspired a talk I gave this past November on identity, shame, and striving. It was the hope-filled message I needed most this year.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi — This was perhaps the most Christian non-Christian book I have ever read. Although never explicitly mentioned, God was present in every word. This has become one of my favorite books.
Books I read with my boys:
Mooses with Bazookas by S.D. Smith — My two elementary-aged boys and I all found this book hilarious! It was such a light-hearted, funny read to kick off the year.
Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey by Tyler Van Halteren — These were our favorite family devotional books this year. It’s rare to find a family devotional book my kids enjoy as much as I do, but they really loved these!
Jotham’s Journey by Arnold Ytreeide — This was our second favorite family devotional book this year. Jotham’s Journey is an Advent book, and my boys were hooked! The story is compelling, thought-provoking, and it led to some great discussion. (There is a bit of violence in the book so it is best suited for older children. I did censor some parts for my 6-year-old.)
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis — This is a classic I’m sure everyone is familiar with, but it was thrilling to have children old enough to share one of my favorite series with. We all thoroughly enjoyed reading it and watching the movie afterward!
Praying God will continue to bless you and keep you in the New Year and beyond!
