Fields United Methodist Church

Celebrate Jesus!

Pastor Tom Joyce

December 12, 2022

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.”

John 1:5

Imagine a gift that makes every other gift a miracle. God’s gifts of peace, hope, and joy are each given and tied together “with cords that cannot be broken” by the gift of love.  God wants you to know you are loved, so loved that even on the worst day of your life, the love of God that created you and has called you by name shines brighter than the brightest star on you. God had you in mind even before creation and everything God has done and continues to do is purely out of love for you. The birth of Jesus was for you. The ministry of Jesus was for you. Jesus died on the cross for you. Jesus rose on the third day for you. As the beloved hymn proclaims, “Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine; Love was born [to us] at Christmas; star and angel gave the sign.” (“Love Came Down at Christmas,” #242 UMH) The gift of love that “came down at Christmas” is the light of the world and there is nothing in this world, nothing you can do that will separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Jesus is the light, the “Word that became flesh and dwells among us.” (John 1:14) The shepherds watched, the angels proclaimed, and you have received God’s gift of love in Jesus Christ.  Thank you Jesus for the precious gift of you.