Devotional December 18, 2020

Side by Side with Jesus.                                                        Pastor Tom Joyce

December 18, 2020

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”  John 3:16

 

As this note is written, there are seven days left until the Christmas celebration. Some mark these as “shopping days,” others as days of final preparations that would include baking, cleaning, and mailing. This year is different but still profoundly blessed by God, who so loved us that Jesus was born, incarnate of the Holy Spirit, and witnessed what it is to be part of an eternal kingdom. The pandemic did not put a halt to Christmas, only magnified its importance. It is not about the shopping, nor even the traditions we hold dear; though these things are indeed fun we see even more clearly Christmas is all about God’s love, pure love for you and for me. As John Lennon sang, “So this is Christmas…” God is still with us, Christmas cries out. God is still with us and continues to love us even and especially through times such as these. Walking side by side with Jesus this morning, I sensed the blessing of the season of Christmas; the memories of Christmas past, the witness of so many that liven my faith and loved me not caring about my shortcomings, and those who just witnessed the love that could have only come from God. Yet with all those cherished memories and thoughts of those in my life that share the indescribable gift of love comes the acknowledgement that God does not confer grace on the past nor the future, but the present, the here and now. Traditions and memories are both part of the witness of God’s love shared at Christmas, yet God’s love that came through the birth of Jesus the Christ cannot be confined to tradition or even to the past. God’s love is to be opened as soon as it is received, disregard any tradition that says, “do not open until Christmas;” those words do not apply to Jesus, born to us at Christmas. So maybe this Christmas is even more about God than any time in history; we have a historic pandemic, an uncertain time, and an ever-changing world. The gift we have received reaches beyond history, time, and the reality of living in a changing world. The gift is Jesus; has been, is and will be forever with you. This is Christmas, this is hope, peace, joy, and love wrapped up and placed in a manger; “to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) Live the love of Jesus, give the love of Jesus; know the gift that has no end…

Rev. Tom Joyce




      

 

 
 
 
 
 
Our Sunday Summer Worship Schedule begins May 21, 2023. We will have one serve beginning at 10:00 AM. Our Saturday evening Service will start June 3, 2023 and be held outside in our pavilion at 5:00 pm.
 
 
Pastoral Visits:
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!
 
Pastor Tom Joyce
 
 
If you wish to join us in person but are not ready to enter the building, you can worship from your car, tuned in to 88.5 FM or from the comfort of your home by tuning in to one of our online platforms below
 

Please join us on Sunday on our webpage: 

www.fieldsumc.org (click livestream)

FaceBook: www.facebook.com/fieldsunitedmethodistchurch, or

Youtube:  www.youtube.com/user/fieldsumc/videos.

 

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.

 
 
 
 
 

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Our Mission: To make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.

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34077 Lorain Road
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Our Mission: To make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.