I get to hang out with some of the most fun-loving people on the planet as a part of my job. I’m not talking about the accounting department (though don’t get Vicki started in a game of dominoes.) I’m talking about adults affected by disability, or as we call our local group, “the gang.”
For example, Paul and Jill Miller talk about their daughter Kim and her “high holy days.” This season starts with Halloween, then moves through Thanksgiving, and then into the Christmas season. But that’s not all, because Kim’s birthday is right before Christmas. If you happen to know and love someone experiencing a disability like autism, you may know exactly what Paul and Jill are describing! I can assure you, the two most anticipated celebrations for “the gang” are birthdays and Christmas – but Christmas is the pinnacle.
“The gang needs to know this story. The whole story.”
Every year, our church has a special reading of the whole Christmas story. It is a beautiful service that we all look forward to. A few years back, as Jill and I were walking out of church, she turned to me and said, “The gang needs to know this story. The whole story.” So Jill proceeded to write a study on this amazing story.
I am so excited to announce that this study, called Advent: The Coming of Jesus, is now available. It begins with Isaiah and ends with the return of Christ. I have read the story of Christmas so many times, but going through this study with Jill opened both the gang’s eyes and my eyes to new wonders.
Remember what I said earlier: the gang loves Christmas! That makes this study a great initial step to sharing the Gospel. What better way to help the gang see Jesus than through the Christmas story? A handful of leaders took this powerful study into group homes and day programs. It was beautiful to hear the name of Jesus proclaimed in such places. Please pray that God would use this study so that many of our friends experiencing disability can know the love of Jesus.
What better way to help the gang see Jesus than through the Christmas story?
Wait, that is not all! I have some more great Christmas news. Paul and Jill wrote another book that will be available very soon. You won’t believe it, but it’s another Christmas surprise: a children’s book called Tully’s Christmas Mess. Although packaged as a children’s book, this adorable story is for anyone who loves Jesus. I hope and pray that this book can help you share the love of Jesus with someone this Christmas. Read a preview of Tully's Christmas Mess.
Thank you for seeing those affected by disability as Jesus does – with delight. Thank you for praying for the work of Bethesda as we encourage and equip the Church to disciple people of ALL abilities using real Bible study materials that go straight to the heart, because Jesus wants ALL of our hearts.
Go quickly, invite the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame and compel them to come in so my house will be full.
Merry Christmas in July!
