Republished from previous years:

The traditions and practices relevant to Christmas have been celebrated religiously and secularly for thousands of years. Since about the fourth century many Christians have celebrated Christmas as the day Jesus Christ was born, marking the birth of Christ as a religious ceremony. The pagan festivals for which many of the traditions of Christmas originate reach back several thousand years. Some of the most popular customs today include decorating Christmas trees, sharing meals with family and friends, exchanging gifts, waiting for Santa Claus to deliver a bag full of toys to the children and occasionally attending church services. Coincidentally, the state in which I live, Alabama, was the first of the U.S. states to make Christmas a legal holiday in 1836. President Ulysses S. Grant declared it a federal holiday in 1870.

Christmas is not however, without its controversies. Over the recent years we have begun to see the ...

By Charles Box

God has given man the power of choice. Consequences come with each choice that we make. Good choices improve our lives and bad decisions make our lives more difficult. God sets before us a blessing and a curse and challenges us to "choose life." "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19) The choices that you make have an eternal impact, not only on you, but also on your descendants. Moses wrote, "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known." (Deuteronomy 11:26-28) Those who ...

By Charles Box

Religious truth came by Jesus Christ; therefore everything that we do religiously must be authorized by the Lord. John wrote, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) The description of the true Christian is very short and simple. A true Christian is a person who walks by faith. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) Christians have both the obligation and the privilege to walk by the unalterable truth of God. We must seek to establish God's authority for what we are to believe and do in all religious matters. All things done by Christians must be done "in the name of Christ" or "by the authority of Christ." Paul wrote, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (Colossians 3:17) The Bible is the standard of faith for the Christian. "So ...

By Charles Box

The work of John was to prepare the way for the Lord. He was not trying to impress the world and he did not conform to the world around him. From John we learn that we must be in the world but not of the world. John's food and clothing was far from being fashionable, even in his day. "John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey." (Matthew 3:4) He called sin sin and demanded repentance. "Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn ...

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by Tom Wacaster

Returning from a mission trip brings its challenges, not the least of which is the physical adjustment to a time zone that is almost eleven hours behind the place you just left. Sometimes I really struggle with adjusting my biological clock to the clock on the wall, and the reality that, while your body tells you it should be six o'clock in the morning, the sky outside tells you it is nigh unto dusk. When I woke up in Bangaluru Thursday morning it was 6:00 A.M. there, but it was 7:30 P.M. Wednesday night here at home. It would be almost 40 hours before I would be able to lay my body down for a decent rest. Going that far, that fast, does not seem to be a part of what God intended for our physical bodies. Of course, the "slow boat to China" may be easier on the body, but it really chews up a lot of time. So, until my body adjusts to the Central Time Zone, I'll take advantage of those wee hours of the morning when I can't sleep ...

By Charles Box

We are either serving our Mighty Creator or we are serving Satan. Most people never consider that they are actually Satan’s servants instead of servants of God. The majority are, in truth, servants of Satan. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) There are some who openly confess that they are Devil worshippers; the majority of Satan’s servants somehow think that they are following the God of Heaven. There is no middle ground; you are either on God’s side or on the Devil’s side. Satan is often mentioned in our Bible. The term “Satan” is in 49 verses in our King James Bible. “Devil” is in 57 verses. Satan is identified by many other names and expressions in the Bible. Here are a few: (1) Abaddon (Revelation 9:11), ...

by Tom Wacaster

Bobby Key once wrote the following: "Most of us visualize our days surrounded by a tight circle of problems, annoyances, and responsibilities which are fast closing in upon us. Each day inds us with a dozen problems to solve, a dozen appointments to keep, and a dozen decisions to make. This is not a true picture of our lives. No matter how busy our days or how crowded our schedule, we live our lives one moment at a time. We solve our problems one at a time. Our appointments are kept one at a time. It is only when we view them all at one time that we feel emotionally drained" (Bobby Key, Four State Gospel News, 6-93, page 2). I can relate to that, can't you? Most of us, at one time or another, have found ourselves pressed from various sides, our schedules full, and our days literally crammed with so much activity that we scarcely have time to ...

by Tom Wacaster

The title of this week's article comes from the lead-in statement in an opinion page on Fox News website. Following the lead-in statement the author writes: "After all the very visible fighting about public displays of religious symbols - from 10 Commandments plaques to graveyard crosses to faith-themed war memorials to holiday manger displays - you might have developed the impression that most Americans don't think the Bible matters today and they like it that way. You'd be wrong." Drawing from research conducted by The American Bible Society, the author focuses on what the Society calls the "state of the Bible" in America. Here is what this year's research uncovered: The majority of Americans (69%) believe the Bible provides answers on how to live a meaningful life. In addition, 79% consider themselves knowledgeable about the Bible. ...

By Charles Box

Just a day to spend? No! I want this to be a day when I will love life and see good days. In First Peter chapter three we are told how to love life and see good days. The spiritual condition of children of God makes it possible for them to have this kind of life. The days are good when we bridle our tongue and speak the truth. "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26) This loving life and seeing good days is representative of the life we would expect to live in our eternal state. Those who follow Christ are pursuing the course of happiness and security. If along this way you are called upon to suffer, then be a person that suffers for righteousness sake. To suffer for the cause of truth or a good conscience will always produce a positive result. "Christians have no reason to be afraid of the threats or rage of any of their enemies." ...

By Jeff Grimes

Many of you on numerous occasions have heard me say, “I may be old fashion but…” However, being old fashioned in the 21st century is not the most popular choice for sure, but it is not necessarily bad. In fact, my being old fashioned aligns me with those of daring character. For example: “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein” (Jeremiah 6:16). Being old fashioned in Jeremiah’s day did not win friends or influence people. That was true in Jeremiah’s day and is still true today. Let me hasten to say there is a difference in being old fashioned, and being old and “cantankerous”. Cantankerous means “easily angered and difficult to get along with”. Being cantankerous has nothing to do with age. Remember I coach a little girls softball team! Most cantankerous people do not want to “hear the rest of the story”. ...

by Tom Wacaster

Had you told me thirty years ago that homosexuality would eventually be accepted in Western Civilization as a legitimate life style, gaining the approval of the so-called "Christian community," sanctioned by the military, and protected (in a special way) by the laws of our land, I would have reacted in unbelief. Three decades later the sin of homosexuality is not only accepted but its participants and supporters actually "glory" in the sin with their "gay pride days," and even a "gay pride month" (the month of June). I read this past week that the Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta has announced that the Pentagon will celebrate gay pride month for the first time. In his words, "Diversity is one of our greatest strengths. During Pride month -- and every month -- let us celebrate our rich diversity and renew our enduring commitment to equality for all." The legitimization of homosexuality has been underway since ...

By Tom Wacaster

It is unfortunate that politicians tend to "brand" their political opponents with various terms that are designed to bias an audience either in favor of the one making the statement or against the one to whom the accusation is laid. This past week our President accused the budget presented by the GOP as "Social Darwinism." Whether or not the budget suggested is such that it promotes social Darwinism remains to be seen. One party accuses the other party, words are thrown out in an effort to get the upper hand, and the feathers fly! Sadly, few take the time to really examine the truth. It is an unfortunate reality that those stirred by emotional innuendoes like to be riled up into some kind of frenzy, and in the final analysis the truth suffers, reputations are hurt, and lives are damaged. The internet has enhanced the ability to spread rumors far and near. It is easy to simply press "forward" and send an item to others, ...

by Tom Wacaster

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal" (Matt. 6:19). Last night (Sunday May 6th) I learned first hand the sobering reality that there are thieves out there, and that they do indeed break through (or into) and steal. For six years I have been the proud owner of a low mileage 1986 Chevrolet Suburban. While I slept someone broke into and drove away with that classic. Whether or not it will ever be recovered only the Lord knows at this point in time. I have gone through the various "stages" of neglect on my part for not providing a little more security to avoid the consequences that go with such dishonesty on the part of others, including shock, despair, anger, and calm and reflective meditation. After calling the insurance agent and learning that it was not covered for ...

By Tom Wacaster

Occasionally I watch "Wheel of Fortune," perhaps one of the longest, if not THE longest running game show in television history. If you happen to watch the program you know that each round features a puzzle that focuses upon some theme that is designed to give a clue as to the answer. The theme may feature names of famous people, places, or things. One theme is "before and after." Just to give you an example, the answer might be "Mary had a little lamb chops." One word in that phrase ends the first part to the clue and leads into the second part. Hence, "Mary had a little lamb," and "lamb chops" make up the whole of the thought, but when condensed into the "before and after puzzle," the answer is, "Mary had a little lamb chops." Occasionally the sought after answer can be quite humorous, and once ...

Political correctness remains the engine that drives the effort of liberals to reshape society. "Change" is the buzzword that may presently get politicians elected, but it is not the kind of change that most sensible and morally conscience people desire. In the 1960's the "hippie" generation (which is simply another way of saying the "baby boomers" grown up into young adults) exploited the affluent status of the post World War II generation to push for change in general, and sexual liberation in particular. Of course the change would not take place over night; but it would take place. Television became a tool in the war chest of those who were determined to mold society and change the thinking of the next generation with particular emphasis upon sexual liberation. From the producers to the sponsors, the subject matter of prime time television would undergo a dramatic shift during the decades of the 60's ...

by Tom Wacaster

For slightly more than one year the Handley church of Christ has placed an article in the Meadowbrook News advertizing our services, location, and focusing on a wide variety of subject matter. Attempting to develop a lengthy discussion on any particular subject is futile in what limited space we were allotted. So, I would occasionally write two or more articles on one particular topic and run these in a series. The Meadowbrook News is not the only paper in which I have used had opportunity to place a weekly or bi-weekly article. Almost every place I have done local work we have used the power of the printed page to encourage the community to think and reason with us. Such articles, though short in nature, provide an opportunity to keep the church out before the public while teaching the truth on a wide variety of topics that are important to society in general, and to individuals in particular.

I have learned over the years that ...

By David Sain

To help you set and keep your priorities straight, take the following personal inventory.

1. Which is more important to you? Making sure your dog (or cat) gets fed every day or making sure that your child gets daily spiritual nourishment?
2. Which is more important to you? Watching television or taking time for prayer and Bible study every day?
3. Which is more important to you? Speaking out on current political issues or speaking out to help someone understand Bible truth?
4. Which is more important to you? The time you spend playing sports, hunting, or fishing or the time you spend with your children?
5. Which is more important to you? The time you spend adorning your body or the time you spend improving the inner man?
6. Which is more important to you? What you think of last Sunday’s sermon or what God thinks of your response to the sermon?
7. Which is more important to you? The condition and appearance of your ...

A great number of women wonder if the perfect man exists. They have scanned the horizon and often come back thinking they must train a man to make him perfect. That leads them to the question, “Can a man learn to be perfect?” Certainly, a great number of women attempt to find out! In the long run, the realization of perfection depends upon the standard used and whether or not a man adheres to it. Many women believe their man reaches near perfection when they can get him to stop leaving his underwear on the floor and he begins putting the dishes in the dishwasher. Seeking the perfect man is no joke! A higher standard of perfection exists. A perfect man can be had!

In the pages of the Bible, Jesus stands as a sinless model of perfection. However, the Bible lists two other men as being perfect. Genesis 6:9 notes, “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations and Noah walked with God.” Job 1:1, 1:8, and 2:3 declare Job “perfect and upright, one that ...

Jesus, the messiah of mankind, lived a life in the flesh like no other man. His words and his actions perfectly fit the pattern prescribed by God the Father (John 5:30, John 12:49-50). That all men save Jesus fall short of the Glory of God is factual (Romans 3:23). Yet, many who declare themselves prepared for faithful commitment to God soon find themselves transgressing against their vows to serve him. Their declaration of service comes before considering the cost – their life (Galatians 2:20). Jesus spoke about this in the parable of the sower.
How many souls have walked the path of those words? Hearts praise God every time a sinner comes to Him and humbly calls upon ...

by Tom Wacaster

There are certain words in the Bible that astound the mind and thrill the heart. Words like "redemption," "forgiveness," "grace," and "salvation" are among those words. The worldly minded can never appreciate the magnitude nor the depth of those words as they relate to matters eternal. But those who have been rescued from the bondage of sin have an appreciation that cannot be expressed in words. The word "reconciliation" is another word that falls into that category. It is not a difficult word, nor is it hard to understand. Webster defines the word "reconciliation" as meaning "to restore to friendship or harmony, to settle or resolve." When applied to people it means to get two separated people back together again. It may refer to a husband who wants to be reconciled to his wife, or a father who wants to be reconciled to a wayward son. But when we use the word to refer to a sinner ...

by Tom Wacaster


Slowly but surely the coffin is being nailed closed for the Western world in general, and the United States more specifically. The front page of the December 7th issue of the Fort Worth Star Telegram provided the following item: "Foreign aid to promote gay rights." Reading further, "The United States will being using U.S. foreign aid to promote gay rights abroad, Obama administration officials said Tuesday. President Barack Obama issued a memorandum directing U.S. agencies to look for ways to combat efforts by foreign governments to criminalize homosexuality." This "memorandum" is one more nail in the coffin that will bury the United States in the ashes of nations that have traveled the same path of moral indecency to their own destruction. Sodom and Gomorah "are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire" (Jude 7). And example of what? These two cities serve as an ...

Early in our life, my wife and I lived in Springfield, Oregon. When my wife and I lived there, we lived in an undesirable location. We were young, in college, and couldn’t afford any better. The apartments we lived in certainly did not house the upper echelon of society. Drugs, foul language, fights, crime, and yes, even shootings were characteristic of the area. Despite the chaos surrounding us, we created two little 5x8 strips of lawn next to our back patio. We tried to make lemonade out of lemons. Years after having moved, we would drive by where we once lived. Amazingly enough, things became filthier, rougher, and more run down. The return trips we made each time served as memorial stones to us. They were reminders of how God had blessed us and delivered us away from those former times. Man observes many memorials, even marking their own graves with memorial stones. The practice of memorializing an event or entity does not correspond only to modern day observances. The ...

1. Unless God was mistaken in His concern, we must reach out to people.
2. Unless God’s revelation of Himself in Christ was a meaningless gesture, we must reach out to people.
3. Unless Jesus was mistaken when He created the church, we must reach out to people.
4. Unless the disciples misunderstood what Jesus told them to do, we must reach out to people.
5. Unless no one is presently in bondage to sin, we must reach out to people.
6. Unless the penalty for sin is no longer death, we must reach out to people.
7. Unless the gospel is no longer “good news,” we must reach out to people.
8. Unless God’s “whosoever will” invitation has been withdrawn, we must reach out to people.
9. Unless the kingdom of God has vanished from the earth, we must reach out to people.
10. Unless Christ’s second coming for His own has been canceled, we must reach out to people. --- Anonymous

Consider this:
James 2:8-9 - 8 If ...