LETTERS

LITTLE ROCK — Celebrating every day

Two women in my life share Christmas on a daily basis. Their tender kindness and love go unseen by the public; you won’t see their smiling faces in the newspaper or on television.

Recently when I had a minor medical procedure at a local hospital, I saw the first friend sitting with a patient, another woman who had no family and greatly needed a friend. I heard her words of comfort and reassurance that everything would be all right. Discreetly watching the interaction of these two women brought tears to my eyes, but filled my soul with gratitude. My first thought was, “This is Christmas.” No trees, no Santa Claus, no lights-just doing what Jesus said.

I wish you could have seen the patient’s eyes as she knew that whatever the outcome, it was going to be all right.

Several years ago during the Christmas holidays, another lady I have the privilege to call my friend was on foot delivering food and gifts to those who were in great need of some holiday joy. The pavement was icy and she fell, breaking her arm in several places.

She continues the call of allowing God to use her life for his glory. On a daily basis, her light shines.

These tremendous women are Christmas to me and to others. The gifts they give cannot be bought, wrapped, sold or destroyed.

We do Christmas each December 25. My hope is that because of the witness of these two ladies that I and others will start the Christmas season each day in our hearts.

JANICE HOUSLEY Mabelvale Shine light in the dark

After the Newtown tragedy, someone suggested turning off the Christmas lights, thinking it would be more respectful.

That’s what you don’t do.

When darkness comes, you let your lights shine brighter, sing and play your Christmas music louder, and pray harder.

Jesus Christ came into this world to bring us salvation and a way out of the darkness and evil. I thank God for Christmas. Glory to God. Peace on Earth and good will toward men.

CHERYL BRANNAN Little Rock Memories of Jennings

Recently returned home to Arkansas to learn that my dear friend Jennings Osborne had passed.

I miss him. He called me Big John and I was honored to be his friend. He was indeed generous. When my wife and daughter desperately needed him,he was there with bells on. I know.

If he was generous to you as well, maybe find an appropriate parking spot, mosey your way to his old haunt and hold a candlelight vigil for the loving gentleman that he was.

A personal note to the Osborne family: My thoughts and prayers are for you as well.

JOHN MURLE GREEN North Little RockIn love and kindness

Like everyone, my heart grieves for the tragic loss in Connecticut. We must come together in love and kindness to help one another in every way.

Selfishness has no place in the hearts of people of faith, whatever your denomination.

Harmony must be the criteria in homes, businesses, government and military. We are in this for the future-ours and our children’s. “Better” is the required achievement. It is time to stop the millions of dollars we give all over the world, unappreciated and too often abused.

Pray, speak truth, lead with conscience and do not give up the fight for our great country, earned for us by all those before us-the immigrants, veterans, leaders, minorities. Their memories deserve our very best.

Happy Christmas and Joyful New Year.

ANITA C. GATZKE Little Rock Compassion needed

In the aftermath of the horrendous massacre in Newtown, something seems amiss. Certainly, our prayers go out to all involved; our hearts ache and we weep for the dead and alive,the young and old.

What seems to be missing in all this is prayer and hearts aching for Adam Lanza’s mother and family-and Adam himself, who appears to have lacked what he needed to feel whole, to be connected, to know love. Indeed, if our hearts are right-if we really understand compassion-our hearts ache and we weep for everyone. Our prayers might well take the form of forgiveness and understanding: forgiveness and understanding that reach beyond loss, pain, sadness and grief, beyond outrage-beyond even our imagined need for guns. May each of us-citizen and politician alike-find a way to go to bed tonight with our heart and mind at peace about all this-compassionately so.

JIM YOUNG BeaverThe true reason for it

I was coming in late from the ranch where I had been “runnin’ my dogies” (all six head with calves) and clearing some acreage for the mangers. I was tired but needed to pick up some boxed Christmas cards, as the spirithad not quite moved me yet.

I am like a lot of my brethren, somewhat exasperated with folk that like our Christmas season, but not the reason for it. I stopped at a couple of places. The grocery store had none. Dollar store only had holiday bling. I hit myneighborhood pharmacy as a last resort. Surely they would have boxed cards and, sho ’nuff, they even had a little Hallmark kiosk, but I had to dig out every one until I found even a “Merry Christmas” box. All the others were politically correct “Happy Holiday” bling-bling.

By this time, I was righteously indignant, so I took that one measly box and marched up to the counter to find a manager and give him what-for for not having “Christmas” cards. As I began my tirade, the clerk calmly said: “Yeah, we can’t keep ’em. Let me call 12thStreet-they may have some left.”

They did. Three boxes of beautiful angels announcing the birth. Suddenly all the Christmas lights of the world came on. People all around were jolly. I addressed Christmas cards till 1 a.m. while watching It’s a Wonderful Life. I wrote glowing, mushy stuff I’ll never be able to take back.

“God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay.” Merry Christmas, cliff be damned!

JACK T. FRYER JR. Little RockNot returning this gift

I have already received my absolute best Christmas present for this year. It is from Jeff Long, the University of Arkansas’ athletic director, and although it was not wrapped, it is, like a subscription to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, a gift that keeps on giving.

Welcome, Coach Bret Bielema.

JIM ROSE III FayettevilleHappy holidays, too!

I’m a born-again Christian who attends church regularly. However, according to some, I will be doomed to hell because I have uttered or been guilty of writing the words “HappyHolidays” when I convey my desire that someone have both a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

My use of the forbidden words “Happy Holidays” in no way intends to take Christ out of Christmas, but is intended as a combined wish for the only two holidays that are celebrated a week apart. I assume this is the case with others who use this greeting, including store owners.

Jesus knows my heart, and I seriously doubt that he takes offense when I say “Happy Holidays.”

Perhaps those narrow-minded judgmental folks who make such a fuss over the use of the words “Happy Holidays” should do likewise.

JOYCE TALLEY ViloniaCan’t take from heart

Some people have the right to demand that all manger scenes be taken down from all county, state and federal government buildings. Where is my right as a Christian to be able to view these during the Christmas season?

You might take the one thing that resembles the birth of Christ off the ground, but you can never take him out of the minds and hearts of the people or the world.

WILLIE MAE DICKEY Mabelvale