Southern California Free Methodist Family,
Merry Christmas! During this season, we are always reminded of the simplicity of the incarnation – God choosing to draw near to us as humans in the most humble of ways. Our world often seeks grand displays, but our God chose a manger, shepherds, and a young unwed couple far from home to reveal our Savior. This pattern of humble service continues to challenge and inspire us today.
Throughout our conference this year, we’ve witnessed countless acts of quiet faithfulness that mirror this divine humility – congregations providing meals to neighbors, pastors sitting for hours with grieving families, church members volunteering, and leaders serving behind the scenes without recognition. These moments, while perhaps seeming ordinary, reflect the extraordinary love of Christ that we celebrate at Christmas.
The Christmas story teaches us that transformation often begins in the smallest of ways: a baby in a manger, shepherds spreading news by word of mouth, a star guiding seekers. Just as these humble beginnings led to our Savior’s world-changing ministry, we trust that our small acts of faithfulness today will bear fruit in God’s kingdom. Today, we might find similar opportunities in a conversation with a lonely neighbor whose spouse passed away, a meal shared with a coworker, or a moment taken to truly listen to someone struggling. These seemingly small acts of love and service, multiplied across our conference, become powerful testimonies to the incarnate Christ we serve. This is who we are as Free Methodists.
Terry Beasley sharing about Men’s Ministry International, Los Angeles Community Church community, Clare Ferguson Bravo bringing the Lord’s Supper, Light & Life West worship team.
I encourage you to look for these humble opportunities to reflect Christ’s love. Perhaps it’s reaching out to someone on the margins of your community, taking time to write an encouraging note, or simply being present with those who find this holiday season difficult. Remember, the same God who used a manger and shepherds continues to work through your acts of faithfulness. As we move into this next calendar year, we pray that each of you will experience God with us – Emmanuel. May we continue to be communities where people encounter the living Christ, where the weary find rest, and where hope is renewed through acts of service and love.
Thank you for your faithful partnership in the Gospel. We hope you know that you are always in our prayers, especially during this sacred season. And, as we enter the new year, we trust that the small seeds of faithfulness planted today will flourish in the year ahead.
With gratitude and hope,
Rev. Jonathan Sato
Superintendent
Free Methodist Church in Southern California
