It came to pass in the 2nd week of Advent there went out a decree to post a blog about recovery. And it came time to deliver the blog and it was taxing to talk about the words of the prophet Isaiah from this week’s lectionary Old Testament readings. The rod of his mouth shall he smite and the wicked shall be slayed by his breath. This does not sound like the countdown to Christmas the Hallmark channel promotes.
But there are great promises here too that we can view in the time of Advent—and through the lens of recovery. Righteousness, faithfulness, children and animals playing together. We shall not be hurt or destroyed and the dwellings shall be glorious. These are kinder promises and look a lot more like the images on the Christmas cards we may be preparing to send.
The reality is the story of the birth of Christ, the day we are long-expecting during this season, is one of great hope and promise especially for those of us in recovery. The prophet tells us a shoot shall come from the stump of Jesse and in the least expected place a king will be crowned. Generations later, a babe in a manger of the lineage of David will be given for all people. Humble beginnings, unexpected places, the rough ways made smooth. This is often what we see in the lives of individuals in recovery. It is in our own humility and transparency we are restored. When we admit our powerlessness we are made strong. And one day becomes 30 becomes six months and the next thing we know we are in long-term recovery because we took one day at a time.
Of course, along the way we may have met with the Baptizer’s winnowing fork and been swept into the granary. We may have had our own experiences of being denied room at the inn, forgotten, alone and scared. We may have been burned as chaff emotionally and spiritually. But over time, with a sponsor, doing step work, finding sober supports, talking to a therapist, getting our house in order…we begin to be restored. Our own internal lion and lamb lie down together. We make peace with ourselves and learn to forgive. Because of this, we escape the unquenchable fire of our own making. Our true selves, our little child, leads us.
This is the Christmas card and the Hallmark movie that can be ours this Advent season. And this is also what recovery can begin to look like after 3 days or 40 weeks or 16 years. This can be our hope, our consolation, for which we can say, Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth, good will to ourselves.
Deborah M., MA, LPC
Lancaster, PA
