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In Luke’s account of the birth of our Lord “certain” shepherds were the first witnesses of what God has done to bring about a new story for all of us to live out in our own witnessing. The actual scene we necessarily enlarge and bathe in the bright heavenly light of comprehension through the retelling was, indeed, mostly moonlit because of the preponderance of flammable hay, materials and old wood and so quiet that the low murmur of mother and child did not rise above the sounds of resting sheep and the few cattle and donkeys. The words about a world in uncomprehending darkness from the gospel according to John might better describe the moment that turned history on its head than our brightly lit Nativity displays, crowded with richly clad wisemen as witnesses who matter and whose understanding of celestial brightness becomes more and more fascinating as astronomical history validates their astrology, even though its foundation rests on the error of what we deem false religion. Their premise, that heavenly events are mirrored in earthly (human) activity, equates lesser gods with generals/ Kings in a constant struggle to align or prevent ambition. When they do come to witness, at a later date and in a different season, what they witness is God freely choosing to step Godself into all history (the Future) in ever new liberation from our gods and generals. But these magi are, in the end, of another season.

Dear Neil, My wife and I are having discussions about whether I should remove a native cedar tree from our landscape. She tests positive for allergies to cedar pollen, and this time of year, her miseries begin for a couple of months. She wants me to remove the tree, but we both think it’s very pretty if it weren’t for the pollen. Even its blueberries are attractive, and I notice the birds love them. My contention is that there are dozens of other cedars nearby and that even if I take our one tree out, she will still be hit with the pollen fromothertreesaroundus.Doyou have any advice?

S______ P__ C.___ Fort Stockton Pioneer.

Editor’s note: It is important to note that an arrest should not be considered evi-dence of guilt, all defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The fol-lowing list is provided by the Pecos County Sheriff’s Depart-ment.

Photo by Shawn York.

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For years El Buen Vecino has struggled with leaky water pipes, no air conditioning, damaged windows and poor electrical connections. After holding a Rummage Sale to raise the necessary funds to make these much-needed repairs, they have now re-opened and will continue to serve the Fort Stockton community from their location at 408 S. Valentine Street.

Family, friends, Pecos County officials and Fort Stockton city officials gathered in front of the Pecos County Courthouse Feb. 21 as Congressman Tony Gonzales presented Pecos County Sheriff T.J. Perkins with a flag in honor of his 35 years of law enforcement service – all of it in Pecos County. The flag flew over the United States Capitol Building on Sept. 15, 2023. “We wanted to make sure that you know that you’re not alone out here,” Gonzales said. “We appreciate everything that you’re doing to keep us safe in every form or fashion and we’re behind you a thousand percent. I think there’s something very special about a flag being flown over our nation’s capital that just says, ‘Thank You,’ thank you for your service, all the men and women in your departments.” Perkins began his career in 1988 as Pecos County jailor, became a deputy in 1991, promoted to sergeant in 1998 and chief deputy in 2003, and was elected sheriff in 2020. The sheriff said he was honored and choked up to be recognized for his service. “Being presented this flag makes me feel honored and humbled in knowing my efforts, devotion, and hard work are appreciated,” Perkins said. “I am grateful to God for guiding me during my many years in law enforcement, as well as for my family and mentors who have supported me throughout. My sincere gratitude goes out to my sheriffs, Bruce Wilson and Cliff Harris.”

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The Fort Stockton City Council held its regular session on April 8, featuring a celebratory reception for the Fort Stockton Special Olympics team, who recently won a gold medal in Odessa. Team members and coaches received certificates of recognition, and Coach Chel Duarte expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment.