In the early days of space travel, some Soviet astronauts made an extensive trip through the skies. When they returned, they said they had looked for God but could not find God anywhere.

It’s doubtful if they were really serious – but it made the headlines! What is more serious is that many people celebrate Christmas without finding God. They may even make their annual pilgrimage to a local church and sing carols, but after a few days, the end of the year finally comes - without finding God!

If it is hard to recognise God when he enters our world as the child Jesus in a manger, it may be even harder to recognise him as he leaves our world from His suffering on the cross. You may not know much about Jesus Christ, but don‘t let that stop you from giving your heart to Him.

The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of an incredible act of love. If you haven‘t found God, pray that He will open your eyes this Christmas so that you, by faith, may see what you have never seen before. The Bible says - 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.' John 3:16-17

Pastor Stanley Attwood

Life is full of changes.

What is true of society and places, is true of individuals. Friends of earlier years are forgotten. Relationships crumble under the storms of pressure. Distance, disinterest, and death destroy once happy fellowships.

Where, we may ask, can we find permanence, stability — an enduring foundation for our lives?

The Bible tells us that God answered that question. He said; "For I am the Lord, I do not change" (Malachi 3:6) And the Bible goes on to tell us, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever"

Are you feeling the effects of change? Remember, God never changes — His address is always the same, through
Jesus Christ.

Pastor Stanley Attwood

In John 21;18, Jesus said to Peter...“l tell you a truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go“
Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then He said to him, “Follow me!“

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at supper and had said; “Lord, who is going to betray you?“) when Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?“

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?“ You must follow me.

Jesus‘ words about Peter‘s future help us to learn the deep meaning of following, accepting, letting go, and letting God take control. In a way, the trusting believer becomes a spectator watching the unfolding of his own life‘s story- God Himself writes the script!

Pastor Stanley Attwood

Walking in a garden a little girl saw some beautiful red poppies in a field. “How lovely “she said to herself, “but what a shame they are growing in this dirty soil." So she pulled up some poppies by their roots. She took them to a water tap and washed away the clinging soil. Soon the plants wilted and began to die. Maybe we murmur because of the circumstances into which God has placed us. God knows everything about us, and He is making all things work together for our good. The 'dirt' where He has planted us is just what we need to bring us to spiritual maturity. To be uprooted can stop that growth. Be content with such things as we have. For the Lord has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Pastor Stanley Attwood.

At dinner time one day, Tim’s father offered a prayer of thanks for the food they were about to eat. At the end of the meal his father complained that the meat was tough, the potatoes cold and the vegetables tasteless. “Daddy” asked Tim, “did God hear you when you thanked Him for our food?”. “Why, yes of course replied his father. “Did He hear you complain about it too?”. When we shift back and forth from praise to discontent, we are far from what Jesus taught us. Our lives should always express praise and glory to God.

Pastor Stanley Attwood

An actress who had made sensational disclosures in an autobiography, admitted; "I am the envy of so many women. But I lack something that other girls I know have experienced. I have never known true love - I would give everything to enjoy a love which was of the mind and spirit and soul. I have secret fears that this will never happen to me. Ordinary women who never get their names into the papers and are totally in love with their husbands, don't know how lucky they are."

When a person lives in a right relationship with God, he or she is able to live in a loving relationship with others. True love makes one sensitive to anothers needs just as God in His love was sensitive to our needs sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to bear our sins. Jesus died for us, was buried, then resurrected, and imparts His life to all who put their faith and trust in Him.

Many people block from their thoughts any idea of seeking a relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. They don't want to face the future, but time will not stand still for them. It is only in fellowship with God through Jesus Christ that true meaning is given to life, and the future made secure.

Pastor Stanley Attwood