What do you think of Westfields?
What an airy, light, and attractive place to shop! So clean and open and once you are there it doesn’t matter how bad the weather is outside! Shopping has become a pleasurable relaxation for many. What stunning clothes and shoes. Have you seen the new phones, iPods, shoes, jewellery, and attractive food counters? How we all love new things!
What is it about new things that excite us? Have you ever stopped to ask that? It’s because everyone is seeking happiness. Did you realise that happiness is the motive behind your every action? "The deep-seated longing in us for significance, self-esteem, satisfaction and security has happiness as the ultimate goal". Some seek it in drugs, others drink, sex, money, promotion, sport, holidays, music and so on.
But returning to presents and new things. We have all noticed that it is not long before these new things get scratched, dented, worn and lose their power to make us happy. They simply cease to content us and we are off seeking something else. Somehow, deep and lasting contentment eludes us. Why is this? Jesus Christ told us in the Bible that "a man’s real life in no way depends upon the number of his possessions". Life is not in things! Life is in knowing God’s love and having our sins forgiven. Can it be ours?
Yes. That is what Christmas is all about. The root problem is that man is at war with God. He refuses to keep His good commandments – to love God with all his heart and his neighbour as himself. Instead man loves himself and is convinced that life is in satisfying all his desires. Most of earth’s troubles are the result of man’s greed, pride and wicked selfishness. Should it surprise us that God says He will punish their sins when they create such havoc and despise and trample on His mercies? Do we not demand restitution when someone deliberately damages our car? Why should God be denied His rights?
The wonder of Christmas is that in spite of our rebellion God so loved us that He gave His only Son to die on a cross in our place. There He bore the penalty of our sins and so man and God can now be at peace..
Hark, the glad sound! The Saviour comes, The Saviour promised long; Let every heart prepare a throne, And every voice a song. He comes the broken heart to bind, The bleeding soul to cure, And with the treasures of His grace To enrich the humble poor.
The Lord Jesus Christ calls us to think again and come to Him that He may save us. He promises that He will not reject you if you come. Will you not come?
Four things you should know about hell (mp3)
Four things you should know about heaven (mp3)
What do you think of Westfields?
Details of 2008 houseparty:
23rd - 30th August 2008
Stanbridge Earls School,
Romsey, Hampshire
Mums and Tots
Friday morning 9.30am
At the church