Mission News: A Different Christmas?

Having spent his life as a doctor addressing the physical and spiritual needs of the disabled, Dick Bransford thinks about the GO in Jesus' words, "GO into all the world and preach the Gospel," as related to those not considered physically whole. Dick writes, "I can comprehend a bit of God's methods, in that he uses this care to open doors in the lives of those who might not otherwise welcome the gospel. I am not responsible for the results, but I am responsible for the obedience." Jesus is concerned about the needy.

The world often abandons families after there is a little one born with abnormalities. Were Mary and Joseph somehow "down and outers?" There were unkind comments when Mary was visibly pregnant. In Jesus' ministry, were the lepers, the blind and the lame so far on the fringe to make them eager to accept the kindness and love of the Lord?

Dick continues, "We often tend to accept the values of our world. He is handsome. She is pretty. They are educated and polished. They are wealthy. He dresses well. Exercise, liposuction, the right clothes, etc. all make a man or woman. Maybe we need more of an exercise of our spiritual heart. How about washing feet? How about helping a single mom with her sick baby? How about taking a beggar to a restaurant? How can we make this Christmas different?"

Joseph and Mary found no room in the inn. Yes, the city was crowded. But, were there other reasons for this couple being unwanted? Perhaps, we could be looking with Jesus' eyes for the needy, lonely person in our path in the coming days.