Fields United Methodist Church

Celebrate Jesus!

Pastor Tom Joyce

November 25, 2022

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

Mark 1:3

Faith in Jesus Christ offers some amazing gifts, and as we prepare for the birthday of Jesus, one of those gifts is the gift of peace.  Unlike those that hung out in Bethlehem the night Jesus was born, our preparations do not anticipate the birth of Jesus; they are a response to the peace we feel as a result of Jesus’ birth. Once in a while, we need to be reminded who Jesus is, why the need to celebrate, and to clear away anything in our lives that would hinder our relationship with Jesus. When Jesus was born, peace was given that continues now even to the end of the age. The gift of peace given by God is the comfort of knowing that where ever our path has led us thus far, our Lord and Savior Jesus has been with us; that is the Good news that has been given to all people. It is a peace that enables us to enjoy life without the baggage of the past, “forgetting what lies behind and straining for what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13) The gift of peace offered by Jesus does not need to wait to be opened at Christmas; it has been given to you, bought and paid for by the One that died on a cross for you and the One who left empty the tomb to offer you, especially you, new life. Celebrate the gift of peace from Jesus; it is the gift that is marked, “please open as soon as delivered.”