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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 29, 2025 - St. John Baptist Church is hosting a Watch Night Wednesday, December 31, 2025, beginning at 9pm.
The Church is located in Africa Community in Center at 2308 County Road 2050.
Pastor Richard Edwards will be offering encouraging words and Sister Jacklyn Cartwright will be the evening's motivational speaker.
"It's Our Time." - Joshua 3:7-11.
December 29, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, December 29.
I hope you had a blessed and merry Christmas, and enjoyed time with family and friends. As we begin this final week of the year, and approach the new year, we focus on a timely subject . . . time.
As a teenager, I began to listen to a lot of different styles of music - classical, jazz, rock, country. And one of my favorites styles was Broadway musicals. Classics like “Oklahoma” and “The Sound off Music”, and newer shows like a little musical called “Godspell”, that premiered in 1971, when I was fifteen. It was written by a Jewish composer, and took as its theme, the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount - an unlikely subject for a piece of popular entertainment.
The little musical was a hit on Broadway, and then Hollywood turned it into a hit movie. It was full of singable, inspiring songs, but the most famous one was based on the prayer of a bishop, from a thousand years ago. As we prepare for a new year, with all its challenges, these ancient words, and this simple little song, speak to us again.
Day by day, day by day
O dear Lord, three things I pray
To see Thee more clearly
Love Thee more dearly
Follow Thee more nearly
Day by day
Here’s some more ancient words - “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
December 19, 2025 — The holiday season is a time for community, reflection, and celebration. The entire community is invited to come together for the annual “Christmas Eve on the Square” Candlelight Gathering, beginning at 6pm on the downtown square in front of the historic Shelby County Courthouse.
Now in its sixth year, this beloved Christmas Eve tradition brings friends, families, and neighbors together for an evening of fellowship, familiar Christmas carols, and shared joy as the community celebrates the birth of Jesus.
The event is designed for all ages and features the singing of classic Christmas carols that capture the true spirit of the season. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own candles to light during the service. Hot apple cider will be available for everyone prior to the gathering.
The evening will conclude with a moving, candlelit rendition of “Silent Night,” creating a peaceful and memorable moment for all in attendance.
In the event of inclement weather, the gathering will be canceled, with no alternative service planned.
While Santa Claus won’t be making an appearance (he’ll be busy delivering toys to children around the world), this event still promises plenty of holiday cheer for the whole family.
For more information about the event or the First Methodist Church of Center, please contact Rev. Malcolm Monroe at the church office at (936) 598-2707 or visit www.CenterFirst.org.
December 18, 2025 - A Christmas Winter Wonderland Mix and Mingle hosted by A Call to Help Ministries on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 5pm to 6pm the The Burning Bush Venue, 1229 Southview Circle, Center, Texas 75935.
Entry fee is donation of mittens, gloves, socks, blankets, and hats. If anyone has any gently used coats or hoodies for all ages, please bring them or if you would like to purchase a new one, feel free.
There will be free food and drinks as well as 'musical chairs' fun to win cakes or pies for Christmas!
For more information or to give donations, contact Connie Brinson (936)427-2255 or Carmellia Cartwright (936)332-1805.
Everyone is invited to come out for good fellowship and refreshments.
December 22, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, December 22.
As a student of the Bible, wouldn’t you be thrilled to have the chance to sit down with a Bible character and interview them? What would you ask Moses? What questions would you have for Paul? This morning we focus on a man who may very well have had just such an opportunity. Today we look at Luke.
Luke was a physician and was highly educated for his time. He was a man of details, an historian of sorts. Luke was a valued associate of the Apostle Paul, and travelled with him on several of his missionary journeys. One of those journeys was to the city of Ephesus, and here’s where our story gets interesting. It is thought, by many Bible scholars, that one of the residents of Ephesus was none other than Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Did Luke have the chance to interview Mary? If so, it would explain why Luke’s gospel contains the most information about the birth of Christ. It would explain how he could write phrases like, “but Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart”.
Take a moment during this week of Christmas to reread the Christmas Story in Luke. And, as you do, try to imagine that those beautiful words are coming . . . from Mary.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
December 18, 2025 - Without a doubt, my favorite Christmas Song, is “White Christmas.” It was written by Irving Berlin for the movie “Holiday Inn” in 1942. My favorite recording artist for the song undeniably is Bing Crosby. I could not begin to tell you how many times I have listened to it over the years. I used to even be able to play it on the piano.
Well, have you ever thought about dreaming of a “Right Christmas” instead of a “White Christmas?” A “Right Christmas” would be one where you made room for Jesus. Have you ever thought about how many people at this season of the year give lip service to Jesus Christ and yet, they have never really made their hearts “right” with God?
Though we do not know when Jesus came into the world, and though we are not commanded to celebrate His birth, the majority of the religious world does focus their attention on Him at this season of the year. We are told that Jesus came to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21)
The great tragedy is that like the innkeeper in Bethlehem, many today have no room in their hearts for Jesus. You see, he did not come just to save us from the sins of the flesh, but also from the sins of the disposition. You know, things like envy, hatred or an unforgiving spirit. So you see, I’m dreaming of a right Christmas, the kind where men and women make Jesus King of their lives, every part of their lives. Have you done that?
It’s something to think about... tbp
Join Us for Worship This coming Lord’s Day
Center Church of Christ
www.centerchurchofchrist.com
December 17, 2025 - Come One Come All to a New Year's Eve Explosion Strong Triumph Church December 31, 2025 at 6pm
Guest church, Bright Morning Star Church of Center, Pastor Anthony Jackson will be the speaker.
Address of the church is 2611 county road 2545 Shelbyville Tx 75973
For more information call, Shepherd,Elder FayeDell Allen at 936-572-5810
December 16, 2025 - St John's Episcopal will be having a Christmas Eve Service, December 24, at 3pm. Everyone is invited to attend and also our regular church service Every Sunday at 9am with bible study at 10am.
Located on 96S just past SV Circle.
December 15, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, December 15.
This week, in our Christmas series, we’ll focus on stories behind some of our favorite carols. Christmas songs are near and dear to our hearts, particularly the ones that remind us of the reason for the season. And they grow even dearer, when we know the circumstances behind their writing. Here’s a story behind a beloved carol.
There are many hymns that ask a question - “What Can Wash Away My Sin?”; “What Wondrous Love is This?”; “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 carol is as celebrated as its lyrics. It’s called “Greensleeves,” and some historians believe that it’s over a thousand years old. Others think that it was written by English King Henry VIII. We find it referenced in a play by none other than William Shakespeare. During none of these periods was the tune ever associated with the church. Its lively rhythm would have made it totally inappropriate for religious music. It was heard, rather, in the pubs and tavern - 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 most hymn and carol writers were - but an insurance salesman, 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.
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
These lyrics, for that time, were extraordinarily personal and intimate. The singer isn’t just observing the nativity, he is placed within it. This Christmas, 160 years after their writing, these words continue to touch our hearts, as we gather around... the manger throne.
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,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
December 11, 2025 - Peter was writing about Jesus when he penned these words in I Peter 2:21, “Leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps”. Sometimes it might be good for us to examine our lives and see how we are doing at following in the steps of Jesus.
Those footsteps of Jesus led him to the waters of baptism, the wilderness of temptation, the house of worship and the fields of service. They led him to the mountain of prayer, the garden of despair, the cross of suffering, the valley of death and ultimately to the throne of God.
When we are faced with temptation, do we come forth victorious as Jesus did or do we yield to that temptation? When we are presented with opportunities of service to others do we consider it an honor to be of service? The briefest biography of Jesus says, “He went about doing good”. Can that be said of us?
Jesus went to sinners to save them, to the sick to heal them and to the lost to rescue them. When he went to the mountain of prayer, he spent time there all alone with God and came back from prayer stronger.
When we follow in the steps of Jesus, they will ultimately lead us also to the throne of God, to live eternally in Heaven. Are you following in His steps? If not, right now would be a good time to start.
It’s something to think about. . . tbp
Join Us for Worship This coming Lord’s Day
Center Church of Christ
www.centerchurchofchrist.com
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