The Fulfillment of All Desire
For many years, our family has cherished the Advent season. I have consistently emphasized to my children the significance of preparing our hearts for the joyous occasion of Christmas, when Jesus Christ Himself graces humanity, fulfilling all our desires. However, this Christmas, while we prayed fervently for the coming of our Lord and Savior, our family was unexpectedly delivered news that we had never anticipated.
A blow to our emotions unlike any other, this news struck us with force. While our family has endured numerous trials and tribulations throughout the years, none has been comparable to this. This year was distinct, as we received the news during the Advent season, confirming the results of Vicki’s biopsy: she had breast cancer.
I was compelled to recall 1986, when my mother succumbed to breast cancer herself. It was a place of horror in my mind, and I was utterly unprepared for such news at that time. My faith was at a nadir, and it was evident that my father and three brothers struggled to cope with her illness and death.
It would transpire several years before I regained my faith and the unwavering belief in God’s unwavering faithfulness. However, with each passing day, my faith grew stronger, and the wounds began to heal.
Fast forward to December 17th. a little over a week ago I returned home before embarking on a trip out of town to share my faith with a group of men and women in El Centro. Upon entering our home, I found my wife sitting at the foot of our bed, weeping. Our Lord allowed me to realize what was happening, and I was overwhelmed with emotions.
While the peace and joy of the Advent season were palpable, they were overshadowed by the anguish and tears. We embraced each other, expressing our deepest sorrow and questioning why now and how this could be.
In the midst of overwhelming divine grace, we discerned our course of action. Following her Doctor's recommendation, we promptly contacted the City of Hope and scheduled an appointment. However, the earliest available appointment was two months away.
In response, we sought the prayers of our friends and family, imploring God to intervene on our behalf. The following day, we received a call from the City of Hope confirming that my wife, Vicki, could be seen as Friday, the 19th. How is that for an answer to prayer?
Our unwavering faith in our Lord has been a constant throughout our lives together. We deeply understand the significance of embracing His cross and suffering. However, this season of Advent is a time of patience and preparation, a time to await God’s intervention, cultivate peace, and make room in our hearts for the embodiment of peace Himself.
I have memorized numerous reflections, devotions, and Scriptures that I share with my family and friends when they face challenges. Nevertheless, we find ourselves in a unique position, where we must rely solely on our faith and trust in the unwavering principles we have embraced.
Today, Christmas arrives, and with it, The Fulfillment of All Desire. The Christ Child Himself graces us with His presence. My late mother-in-law, in her annual Christmas cards, would express her blessing upon us, assuring us that the Christ child would bless us abundantly through His grace. I have cherished every year, as I received a card bearing this profound message, and now write this message to others in my Christmas cards.
We recognize that God’s blessings and unwavering faithfulness towards His children are boundless. We will not succumb to despair or lose our Hope Joy or Peace. We will trust in the Savior of the world who has come to us on this Sacred Holy day.
The fulfillment of all our desires has come to fruition. Let us rejoice and be filled with gratitude for this Divine gift.
