Devotional December 21, 2020
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
If you would like a visit or would just like to talk, please let me know. Please
call or text me at 330-416-1817, call the church office at 440-327-8753, or email me at
fieldsumcpastor@gmail.com. As always, I am available to pray anytime, just give me a call. I
am here for you and honored to be your pastor. God is good all the time!
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The ministry of Jesus Christ continues though Fields especially during this time. If you are able to give, here are a few options:
Online: www.fieldsumc.org tap “giving”
Text: 440-319-3537
Mail: Fields United Methodist Church
34077 Lorain Rd.
North Ridgeville, Ohio 44039
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Our Mission: To make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.
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