On that blessed birth
As Christmas neared, I settled back in my recliner late one afternoon and pondered the journey of Joseph and the very pregnant Mary to Bethlehem. I wondered what the unborn Jesus must have thought about the trip and his birth in a stable. Yawn. zzzzz. Dreamland.
The unborn Jesus 15 minutes into the trip, bumping along inside Mary riding on the donkey: "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? I want out of here."
Much later, they finally stop and Joseph goes into the inn but returns shortly and tells Mary, "There is no room in the inn but they said we could stay in the barn."
"Joseph, I told you to make reservations. But no. You procrastinated until it was too late."
Unborn Jesus: "I'm not bouncing around in here any longer while you hunt for another place to stay."
Mary: "Oh, oh! Get me to the stable, Joseph. Our baby is on the way." They rush to the stable and Joseph finds some fresh, clean straw.
"Oh! Oh! Owwwww!" "Wahh! Wahh!"
Baby Jesus: "Whew. Finally." He surveys his surroundings. "This place is a dump. No bed. No clean sheets. No blanket or pillow. Brrrr, I'm freezing. No heat." Sniff, sniff. "Phewee. What's that smell? You've got to be kidding me. My roomies are donkeys and sheep. Where's the air freshener?"
"Get those swaddling clothes on the baby, Joseph. It's cold in here." Mary directed.
'Baby Jesus: "Amen to that! I'm not believing this mess."
Joseph wraps up Baby Jesus in swaddling clothes.
Baby Jesus: "I was expecting designer duds but this is better than nothing. But if Joseph doesn't show some improvement pronto, I'm going to report him to Social Services."
I woke up, rubbed my eyes and wondered if Baby Jesus had any idea of what a big job he had ahead of him.
LARRY McNEAL
Waldo
Future of our world
Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this time of year. This Christmas I am compelled to ponder the future of our world.
When his disciples asked him how they would know the end of the age, indicating his return, Jesus told them of signs to observe. Wars pitting nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom, indicating numerous wars across the world simultaneously. He told them that because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.
He listed other things also. One of these was the parable of the fig tree indicating the rebirth of the nation of Israel and the return of Jerusalem as its capital. Israel was reborn in 1948 and just a few weeks ago the process for restoring Jerusalem as its capital began. He told them that the generation alive when the nation was reborn would not pass away until all his prophecies would be fulfilled and he would return.
When I look around the world today, it's clear that love has grown cold. My prayer is that love would make a strong comeback. If not I will still be of good cheer in anticipation of an astounding event during my lifetime.
Merry Christmas to all!
MICHAEL SANDERS
Little Rock
Honoring firefighters
We are so fortunate that our neighborhood association has a "December to Remember" schedule calendar posted and members may select the day and food, or treats they will take to our local fire station to show our respect and sincere appreciation for their superior service. They rock 24/7!
CHERYE THEVENET RIGGS
Little Rock
Home for Christmas
Just one week before Christmas in 1954, I stepped off a military plane onto Korean soil. I was 19 and beginning a year's tour of duty with the U.S. Army. This far-away place was where I would spend my first Christmas away from home.
On Christmas Eve, the six men in our assigned tent huddled around the stove futilely trying to stay warm against the bitter cold and snow outside. The Armed Forces Radio Network was playing carols, and the DJ announced, "It's Christmas morning, everyone! Merry Christmas!" and began playing "Silent Night."
That was about as low as I've ever felt. The next night I trudged through knee-deep snow as I walked my turn at guard duty around our compound, and I made a promise to myself.
The year passed, and as I stepped off the train at Union Station in Little Rock, I remembered my vow. Without contacting anyone, I stored my gear in a locker, hailed a cab, and had him drop me at Markham and Main. I walked the length of downtown on one side of the street, crossed to the other side and walked back, taking in decorations, music, lights, and the wonderful hustle and bustle. I was on top of the mountain, immersed in the magical scene of Christmas in my hometown as I had never been before.
That night I rented a room at the YMCA and finally made my way home the next morning. My older brother, who had just completed a tour of duty with the Army in Germany, was also there. Once again our family was together at Christmas.
There is no place--absolutely no place--like home for the Christmas holidays.
GENE BLAGG
Maumelle
Comforting memories
With 65 sets of holiday memories to reflect back upon, I find somehow the greatest comfort in images of the night-trip to Grandma's house on Christmas Eve. My mother's parents lived on a little farm nestled in the rolling hills of northeast Nebraska, just a few miles from South Dakota.
After filling the trunk with gifts and the back seat with four unruly boys, every year Dad drove unfailingly between mountains of snow, down county roads mostly, the last 20 miles of which were gravel but always "miraculously" clear (thanks to Mr. Black, Grandma and Grandpa's nearest neighbor some 12 miles away).
That last stretch was always the most intense, more from anticipation than road conditions. The (AM, naturally) radio tracking the flight of Santa's sleigh only added to the mood.
But what I remember best is being stilled by the amazing dark of the night and starlight glittering on snow and the eerie rippling glow of the Aurora Borealis. Yes, Virginia, in 1957 you could easily see the Northern Lights from Verdel on a clear night.
Paul Simon has written his share of silly songs. Sometimes he gets it just right: "Preserve your memories. They're all that's left you."
STANLEY G. JOHNSON
Little Rock
Editor's note: This letter was published on this date 15 years ago.
There was a plan
When Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago so Jesus could be born to us as savior of mankind, God had a plan and a set time for it to happen.
The Bible says God is the same yesterday, today and forever, so God still has a plan for each of us and a set time for it to happen.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, each in our own way, may the Christmas spirit remind us of his plan, which is to accept Jesus Christ as our savior and to spread the word that he is the answer to everything. Merry Christmas.
CHERYL BRANNAN
Little Rock
Editorial on 12/25/2017