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Chantal Huinink explores Isaiah’s vision of a barrier-free kingdom where physical limits no longer define our access and freedom. She reflects on the hope for a world where mobility aids like wheelchairs no longer restrict movement or participation. The post considers how faith can shape our understanding of belonging and inclusion.
Sunday, December 3rd marks the beginning of Advent, a special season for the Christian community to eagerly anticipate the commemoration of the birth of Christ. It is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the hope that He brought to others as a baby on this earth. It also reminds us that one glorious day He will return. Meanwhile, the church is tasked with joy and responsibility of working to restore God’s kingdom on earth.
Honouring Disability Inclusion
One of the ways that we can work toward this is by modeling the value of all people and fostering belonging of those who experience disability around the world. December 3, 2017 is also significant because it is United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities. To commemorate this momentous day, we encourage churches everywhere to host worship services in celebration of members of Christ’s body who have diverse gifts and abilities from God. We invite you to utilize Christian Horizons’ “Everybody Belongs” service planning guide and materials or design a service of your own. You may wish to have it on December 3 or another day of your choice.
www.christian-horizons.org/everybodybelongs
Reflecting on Scripture and Injustice
In accordance with the liturgical calendar, for the first Sunday in Advent this year, many churches will read Isaiah 40:1 – 11. This Scripture begins with comfort and encourages oppressed people to cry out against injustice. It begs the question: what injustices are you crying out against, and what holy comfort do you need this season? Some of the injustices that I cry out against include structural, attitudinal and theological barriers related to my wheelchair.
A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain. — Is 40:3-4
Isaiah's Vision of No Barriers
Isaiah 40:1 – 11 resonates with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the Everybody Belongs theme. Isaiah presents a vision of the glory of the Lord being revealed when there are no barriers; the valleys have been lifted, the mountains have been made low and the planes are smooth; I could go anywhere and do anything regardless of my wheelchair. In this vision, people with and without “disabilities” are together and each of us can proclaim the good news boldly because we are all protected and cared for by the Good Shepherd.
About the Author:
Chantal Huinink:
Chantal Huinink holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph; and a Masters of Divinity and Masters of Social Work from Martin Luther University College at Wilfrid Laurier. She is a Registered Social Worker of Ontario, the founder of Faith and Wheelpower Ministries, a motivational speaker, author, and social justice advocate. She worked with Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons) and Kids Ability for many years, providing counselling, mentorship, and spiritual care. She was elected to Waterloo Regional Council in 2022.
Recent Posts:
Chantal Huinink explores Isaiah’s vision of a barrier-free kingdom where physical limits no longer define our access and freedom. She reflects on the hope for a world where mobility aids like wheelchairs no longer restrict movement or participation. The post considers how faith can shape our understanding of belonging and inclusion.
Sunday, December 3rd marks the beginning of Advent, a special season for the Christian community to eagerly anticipate the commemoration of the birth of Christ. It is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the hope that He brought to others as a baby on this earth. It also reminds us that one glorious day He will return. Meanwhile, the church is tasked with joy and responsibility of working to restore God’s kingdom on earth.
Honouring Disability Inclusion
One of the ways that we can work toward this is by modeling the value of all people and fostering belonging of those who experience disability around the world. December 3, 2017 is also significant because it is United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities. To commemorate this momentous day, we encourage churches everywhere to host worship services in celebration of members of Christ’s body who have diverse gifts and abilities from God. We invite you to utilize Christian Horizons’ “Everybody Belongs” service planning guide and materials or design a service of your own. You may wish to have it on December 3 or another day of your choice.
www.christian-horizons.org/everybodybelongs
Reflecting on Scripture and Injustice
In accordance with the liturgical calendar, for the first Sunday in Advent this year, many churches will read Isaiah 40:1 – 11. This Scripture begins with comfort and encourages oppressed people to cry out against injustice. It begs the question: what injustices are you crying out against, and what holy comfort do you need this season? Some of the injustices that I cry out against include structural, attitudinal and theological barriers related to my wheelchair.
A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain. — Is 40:3-4
Isaiah's Vision of No Barriers
Isaiah 40:1 – 11 resonates with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the Everybody Belongs theme. Isaiah presents a vision of the glory of the Lord being revealed when there are no barriers; the valleys have been lifted, the mountains have been made low and the planes are smooth; I could go anywhere and do anything regardless of my wheelchair. In this vision, people with and without “disabilities” are together and each of us can proclaim the good news boldly because we are all protected and cared for by the Good Shepherd.