Recently, I have been reflecting over the past few years. I have considered all we have been through and all that we have emerged from. My friends from here in the area all experienced the devastation, in some form, of Hurricane Katrina. Many of my friends from all over the nation helped us bear the weight of our burdens and assist us in our recovery. And I thank God for all of my dear brothers and sisters from all over.
So, as a kind of Christmas gift to you, I wanted to pen some words of encouragement that you may launch into this Holiday season with joy and expectation.
On a road of life where we meet up with economic uncertainty, insincerity in politics, and the seeming loss of decency and moderation, it is good to know that these "roadside attractions" are no stranger to civilization. Even though they may seem more intense now, man has scraped with these devils all throughout history.
One of the great things about the holidays is the Christmas music. And it seems that at least one or two satellite or radio stations feature non stop Christmas music during the holidays each year. While running errands early one morning this past week, I heard an old recording of a song that has always touched my heart called "I heard the bells on Christmas Day". As I listened to the vocalist recite the lyrics, tears began to fall from my eyes and their meaning lodged deeply in my heart. When I returned to my office, I decided to do a search of the history of that song. I was amazed that it was penned by legendary poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on December twenty fifth of 1864 in the heat of the Civil War. Not only that, but a few months earlier, Longfellow had lost his wife, burned to death in a tragic fire. In the midst of civil unrest and grave personal loss, he felt led to write a Christmas song that would not only bemoan his grief and pain, but also proclaim his hope and faith in God.
Whatever you face personally, know that God is not dead, nor doth he sleep...God's will prevails to those who love and serve him. Hold fast to the gift of faith that has been given you. Always keep in mind that whatever your problem, no matter how big your situation...God is bigger. So light your lights, trim your tree, drink a cup of kindness, share love with those you love. Sing of the Glory of God this Christmas, for God has brought peace on earth, good will to men...His Name is Jesus.



"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Then from each black accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"


Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"


God Bless you and Merry Christmas!

Pastor Larry

In His Wonderful Service,
Larry Roques
JFC Senior Pastor

Posted 12/20/2008 9:05:19 AM

In His Wonderful Service,
Larry Roques
JFC Senior Pastor

In His Wonderful Service,
Larry Roques
JFC Senior Pastor

Posted 12/20/2008 9:15:11 AM