Hello dear Ladies ~ Today we have a Christmas message from ~ Dr. J. Bruce Sofia
Senior Pastor of Gloucester County Community Church.
(This church has supported FNF since 1988)
I recall years ago when we were producing a TV show called "The Other Side", one of the questions posed to those on the street was: "What does Christmas mean to you?" The answers received were varied in nature from, "I'm Jewish but I have no problem with it," to "It's about family and friends," to "I'm an atheist - I think the world would be better without it," to "It's too commercial," to "It's about Jesus." So, here's a question to ponder: "What would the world be like without Christmas?"
Two words immediately came to my mind - light and life: Jesus the light of the world" Jesus the way, the truth and the life. What would the world be without Christmas? I really don't think we would want to know. I have been to four continents, and where Christianity is absent so is 'light' and 'life'.
Think about it for a moment? The air is filled with a positive and inspirational 'buzz', but those of us who know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior understand "the way." The airwaves are filled with His name...Christ-mas. He is everywhere? The colors. The trees. The decorations. The snow (at least in our part of the country. Sorry Dotti, couldn't resist. LOL!) The music. The carols. The shows. The concerts. The gifts. The parties. The days off. The spirit of generosity and giving. And I could go on. Although they are not the Christ, they speak of Him, and, it is "awesome."
Yes, as the gospel writer Luke put it: "For unto you is born this day a Saviour who is Christ the Lord." Anyone who has come to know Christ in a redeeming and personal way knows there is nothing that can compare. Let us rejoice and be glad!
In closing, permit me to take this moment and thank God for His gift to you who are widowed - Dotti, (Founder & Director of FNF in Lake Worth, Florida), Mary Lou (Director of FNF, Turnersville, N.J.) and ALL who assist them throughout the year. Ladies (and Paul, Mary Lou's hubby), you truly all bring light and life to many. Thank you!
Have a blessed Holiday Season and a Merry Christmas!
In Jesus,
Love,
Pastor Bruce
Below is a beautiful rendition of ~
