Fields United Methodist Church

Side by Side with Jesus.                                                Pastor Tom Joyce

December 21, 2020

“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, o come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, born the king of Angels.”

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” John F. Wade

It was early this morning, before most people were even thinking about arising for the day, before the sun began its rising, I began my walk. But my prayers were different than in the past. I prayed for the end of the darkness, not of the night, but of the soul. I prayed for those who have lost so much, those who walk in the darkness of an uncertain time. Tucker, my early morning companion often times is uncertain as well about the darkness and this morning was no different; he was shaken by something and just sat, looking behind him into the darkness. As I tugged gently on his leash I said, “it is ok, we can keep walking.” So Tucker got up and we continued our walk together, my prayers continuing. I prayed for the end of darkness for so many, the end to the pall which seemed to be covering so many hearts, mine included. As a pastor, a husband, a dad, and a friend, I want so much for the light of Christ to shine in the hearts of everybody, to see the world with “Christ-colored glasses.” As I prayed for light, the Scripture I read this morning came alive; “they said to each other, ‘were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:32) My heart began to burn with joy, with hope, peace, and the love of Christ. Then I began to sing, “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, o come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem….” The Word was opened to me and I saw the light of the world, though still walking in the darkness of the early morning. It is time to come, all the faithful, to the cradle of the King, to know that there not only will be light at the end of the tunnel, there is light in the tunnel, there is Light that shines in whatever darkness that may hinder us from celebrating the life we have been given. The gift of eternal life is to be remembered and celebrated. If you find yourself “walking in darkness,” know that that your Savior is not only near, he is here, right here, right now. “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant…”  Jesus is whispering in your soul, “it is ok, we can keep walking, together.”

Rev. Tom Joyce