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Contributing Writers: David Mathis | Tim Perkins
Past Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard
Faith
December 23, 2023 - There are many gospel songs that ask a question - "What wondrous love is this?", "What can wash away my sin?", "Were you there?". And a number of carols as well - "Do You Hear What I Hear?, "Mary, Did You Know?", and our focus for this morning, "What Child is This?"
The tune for this favorite carol is as celebrated as its lyrics. It's named "Greensleeves", and some historians think it could be a thousand years old. Others believe that it was written by English King Henry VIII. We find it referenced in a play by none other than William Shakespeare. In none of these periods was this tune associated with any songs of the church. Its' jaunty rhythm would have made it totally inappropriate for religious music. It was heard, rather, in the pubs and taverns - a popular tune. Then, in 1865, William Dix decided to write words worthy of this lovely melody. Dix, just 28 years old, wasn't a minister - as were many hymn and carol writers - but an insurance man, who wrote poetry as a hobby. After a near fatal illness, during his recovery, he penned a poem that he titled "The Manger Throne". I love that title! I love these words . . .
Copied from SCT without permission.
What child is this who laid to rest on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping
This, this is Christ the King whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary
For its time, these lyrics were extraordinarily personal. The singer doesn't just hear about the nativity, but is placed within it on that night in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. This Christmas, 158 years after their writing, these words continue to touch our hearts . . . as we gather around the "manger throne."
Copied from SCT without permission.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh. Come, peasant, king to own Him
The King of Kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
“… for you shall receive power…” Acts 1:8
December 12, 2023 - Years ago we sent our son Mark a professional digital camera for his early Christmas present. Since he isn’t a photographer, he has spent a lot of time learning how to use it. He called one day and said that when he tried to take a shot, an “error” warning kept popping up.
He thought he’d taken some beautiful wildlife pictures one day, but when he tried to view them, his card had no images on it. He read the troubleshooting section of the camera’s manual, but still couldn’t find his problem. Just before concluding that it was the camera’s fault, he decided to replace the batteries and… (!)… it began working perfectly! I should’ve told Mark that checking the batteries should always be his first step in troubleshooting.
We Christians don’t function properly on low batteries either. Spiritual energy from God comes through prayer, Bible study, and dedication to His will. It’s foolish to blame God for our spiritual problems when we’re trying to run on dead batteries. God has the power to keep us charged…
…but plugging into it is up to us.
December 11, 2023 - Good Morning! It's Monday, December 11.
This morning we take a look at a central character in the nativity story . . . who never said a word.
Is it Zacharias? Good guess, but no. Zacharias was the priest, the husband of Elisabeth, the father of John the Baptist, who was struck dumb by the angel Gabriel until his son was born. But after that, we heard the words of Zacharias. Our featured character today was given no words in the Christmas story, he has no recorded voice. But, his actions could not have spoken more clearly, more eloquently. Our featured character today is Joseph.
Under Jewish law in the Ist Century, when Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant, and that the baby was not his, he could have seen to it that she was punished. Although execution as a penalty for adultery was very rare by this time, there were other punishments - separation, shunning, shame. But Joseph, before he learned of God's miracle, before he knew of Mary's blessing, before he received his visit from an angel - while he was still dealing with dark feelings of disappointment and betrayal - chose to show Mary kindness, mercy, forgiveness.
Matthew 1:19 - Then Joseph, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example of shame, chose to divorce her secretly.
We can read that verse and see how Joseph's actions, his choices, his heart for Mary can be seen as a foretaste of the kindness, mercy, and forgiveness that Jesus would show to me and to you - "while we were yet sinners". (Romans 5:8) And so Silent Joseph speaks clearly to us today, speaks the message of Christ, the Christmas message - the message of love.
Matthew 1:21 - And the angel said unto Joseph . . . she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sin.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
Thank you to the 400 friends from our community who joined us at "Journey to Bethlehem" this weekend, to the 100 brothers and sisters from First Baptist Center who worked so hard to make it happen, and to God who deserves all the honor, glory, and praise.
December 7, 2023 - A man who had been a church member little more than a year was heard to say, “I must be losing my power of perception. I can’t find any of the hypocrites I used to see, looking in from the outside. Certainly, I see some with shortcomings and weaknesses, even as I have, but I cannot point out one person who is not serious and honest in his or her Christian endeavors. Could it be that I have acquired rose colored glasses?”
To this man we would say the answer is no. To be sure, his eyesight is actually better than before. He is having an experience that is common to people who learn from inside the church that Christians are actually wonderful people. True, they are also human, and therefore subject to the temptations and desires of the flesh. Yet, you can be sure that the percentage of sincerity and honesty is decidedly higher in the church than among the best of people outside the church.
This also serves as a reminder to us. Can each of us be sure that his or her behavior sets a good example to those outside the church? Is my light shining in such a way as to draw people into the church or is it a stoplight that keeps others away from the church? Let’s ask ourselves, “If all the members of the church were like me, what would those outside of the church truly think of the church?”
It’s something to think about... tbp
Join Us for Worship this coming Lord’s Day at Center Church of Christ or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com
December 6, 2023 - First Baptist Center, once again this year, is inviting the community to take a trip to Old Bethlehem. It's a unique, interactive, and exciting holiday experience. Angels, Shepherds, and Kings. Sheep, Donkeys, and Camels. Free gifts for kids, and for their moms. Hot chocolate and Santa. Live music and a light show. And much more. Come and be our guest at Journey to Bethlehem II, Friday-Sunday, December 8-10, 6-8pm. A free Christmas gift to your family from the family at First Baptist.
Tickets and reservations will be available starting Monday, November 6, at the church office, 117 Cora, or by calling 936-598-5605. More Info at fbccenter.org.
December 4, 2023 - Comedy and Carols is coming to town with Noah Cleveland and Travis Krimm performing at 7:30pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at The Venue, 1229 Southview Circle, Center, Texas 75935.
Hosted by Smyrna Church, Comedy and Carols is an opportunity to bring our community together for a FUN night of laughter and fellowship. Through energy and laughter, Noah and Travis engage with everyone in the audience, but most importantly they will also point people to Christ.
Travis and Noah bring a phenomenal blend of joy, worship, and laughter that is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.
So don’t miss it! Tickets are free and everyone is welcome!
December 4, 2023 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, December 4. This past weekend, our choir and bells got to be in a parade! Each year, on the first Saturday of December, our town has a nighttime lighted Christmas parade. Once again, hundreds of friends from the community gathered at our historic courthouse square to kick off the holidays. It was fun!
Did you know that there’s a verse in the New Testament about a parade? Paul, who often used cultural events and traditions as metaphors for the Christian life, describes it in 2 Corinthians 2:14 - “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.”
In Roman times, victorious generals were given a parade to celebrate their triumphs. These processions were actually called “triumphs” and entered the great capital city through the Triumphant Gate, a portal used only for this purpose. The general would ride in a huge chariot pulled by four majestic horses. And marching behind the conquering hero would be those who had been conquered - the captives, the slaves. In Paul’s metaphor we are the captives of Christ, who is eternally victorious. These Roman spectacles would often have religious overtones and many of the participants would be carrying incense. And so, we, the slaves of Christ, spread the aroma, the knowledge, of who He Is wherever we go.
Now that’s a parade!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
Journey to Bethlehem, First Baptist Center's Community Christmas event, is just five days away. Free tickets can be reserved online at fbccenter.org. Come to Old Bethlehem, December 8-10, 6-8pm, it's going to be fun!
November 30, 2023 - I read a story not long ago that came from another day and time. An era when life was simpler and it was common for people to work for their passage on ships. It seems a young boy approached a ship’s captain in Boston Harbor and asked him if he had a berth on board for a young man who wanted to earn some money during the summer.
The ship’s captain inquired what he could do. The young boy said, “Well, I can do my best at whatever I am asked to do”. The captain then asked him what kind of work he had done. The boy replied, “I have sawed and split all my mother’s wood for nearly two years.”
The captain then asked, “Well, what have you not done?” The young boy replied, “Well sir, I have not whispered in school for a whole year.” With that, the captain hired the young boy. He knew that a boy who can master a woodpile and control his tongue must be made of good stuff.
Truth be told, it would be good if all of us could learn to control our tongue. Remember, James would write of the tongue, “it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father and therewith curse we men; which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessings and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” Many of the problems of life could be avoided if men and women would only learn to control their tongues.
It’s something to think about... tbp
Join Us for Worship this coming Lord’s Day at Center Church of Christ or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.
November 27, 2023 - Good Morning! It's Monday, November 27.
"CHRISTMAS CANCELLED IN BETHLEHEM!" I saw this news headline a few days ago, the sad news that the town where Christmas began wouldn't be open for holiday pilgrims this year. This is, of course, because of the unrest in the Holy Land. Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, just outside of Jerusalem, an area where millions of Palestinians live. The danger for tourists is just too great. A sad note for this holiday season.
My church, First Baptist Center, is recreating Old Bethlehem, as a Christmas gift to our community. The December 8-10 event features 30 costumed characters in six outdoor scenes, with a dozen nativity animals. "Journey to Bethlehem" is in its second year, and, if you're a local reader, we invite you and yours to join us. Go to fbccenter.org for more info, photos from last year, and to reserve free tickets.
As I reflect on New Bethlehem today, and the wars and rumors of wars in our world, I'm reminded of this verse from an old carol about Old Bethlehem, that "little town."
O morning stars together
Proclaim Thy holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And peace to men on earth
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
November 22, 2023 - I read the other day about a man who took flying lessons. At the end of the course, he passed his tests and got his pilot’s license. So, one of the first things he does is take his wife up for a ride. As they were flying along, among the clouds he finally commented, “It surely is nice up here, no back seat driving. You are not constantly telling me to watch out, slow down, use my turn signal. It’s nice not listening to all of that.” That is when she said, “look out for those birds.”
You see there is just no getting away from “back-seat drivers.” They are like critics, every calling of life has its back-seat drivers and critics. They are always the ones who could do it better than you could and are glad to tell you that they could.
We find them in the community. Whatever comes up, they have all the answers and are free with their criticisms. They are in our families. They can tell others how to raise children. They are in the church. They have the answer to any question that comes up and never have to study a Bible to have that answer. They can put the preacher in his place and they can get the leaders of the church “told” in no uncertain terms. They know everything that is wrong and seldom see anything that is right.
Yes. Back seat drivers (critics) are everywhere. They are “swift to speak and slow to hear.” Let’s make sure we aren’t one of them.
It’s something to think about. . . tbp
Join us for worship this coming Lord’s Day at Center Church of Christ or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.
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