A Wheelchair And A Manger
15th December, 2009 by Rich Dixon - 3 Comments
What would Jesus think?
I’ve been doing a little exercise based on 10 Ways You Can Enjoy An Intentional Christmas. I’m trying to spend some time each day at the nativity scene, wondering about the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of each character. And I found myself wondering how Jesus would respond to the presence of a disabled person in that holy circle.
I tend to disrupt impromptu situations. Since Bethlehem wasn’t wheelchair accessible, I’d probably need help across the rough floor. My wheels would get dirty. Perhaps one of the Magi or a shepherd would leave his place to assist, or maybe an angel would clear a path for me. Would my presence break the mood?
I’d need a place near the front. Someone else might move farther away so I could see from my seated perspective. Would my special need cause resentment?
Others brought gifts, but the bumps and jolts of an uneven floor make carrying a package difficult. Would I appear less grateful because I couldn’t present something of value?
Everyone else kneels in worship and praise, but I can only slump forward and hope muscle spasms don’t cause me to lurch onto the floor. Will the others question my sincerity because I don’t assume the customary posture of humility?
Would I be perceived as a party-crasher? The Magi received an astrological invitation along with the first GPS directions. Shepherds were summoned by an angel’s proclamation. But I just showed up with no special summons. Would my presence destroy the symmetry of a carefully choreographed eternal moment?
Perhaps I should just hang back and observe from a respectful distance. I can’t really participate anyway. I don’t fit in; I don’t want others making a fuss.
I don’t belong here.
What would Jesus think?
Those were my thoughts beside my tiny porcelain manger—I’d love to hear your reactions. Please consider leaving a comment below, and I’ll write some additional thoughts in the next post.
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Will You Accept The Gift Of Christmas?
What Are You Giving Jesus For Christmas?
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3 Comments
Gail P
December 15th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Oh but He would smile.
And Mary would smile.
You are part of the miracle and perhaps even closer to Him than the others.
Your post is one of humility and God reads that in your heart, your mind, and in your soul.
We can only hope that the more able bodied in the stable would recognize this and bow all the lower. You bring the message of hope and for that we are grateful.
Rich Dixon
December 15th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I like the thought that He’d smile–and I think you’re right.
Bouncing Back » You And A Manger
December 17th, 2009 at 8:24 am
[...] time I wrote about A Wheelchair And A Manger and wondered how Jesus would respond to the presence of a disabled person in the nativity [...]
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