Opinion

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 blue berries 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 from other trees around us. Do you have any advice?

Since two of my daughters are now in college and one is in high school, Christmas just “hits different”– as those crazy kids (and my not-so-secret, sort-of-butnot- really guilty pleasure, Taylor Swift) say these days.

The ink was barely dry on a law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott that makes unauthorized entry into the United States a state crime before a lawsuit was filed by civil rights groups and El Paso County challenging its constitutionality. The Austin American-Statesman reported the suit was filed in an Austin federal court by the ACLU and two immigrant advocacy groups on behalf of the county.

Dear Editor: The Democrats started the Civil War of 1861-1865, resulting in the deaths of 620 thousand Americans. They backed slavery.

This year our world has been plagued by wars, threats, and rumors of more wars at any minute. Sadly, untold numbers killed and millions fleeing for their lives. Not counting floods and droughts besides all kinds of problems, difficulties, sickness with family, friends or loved ones. Remember we are not without hope because of a great event that took place many years ago. Some shepherds were camped out with their flocks when suddenly they were surrounded by a bright light and an angel stood before them. The angel told them not to fear that he had good news for them and also for the whole world. That day someone very special had been born and He was to be the Savior of the world, (Luke 2:8-14). He is Christ the Lord. He was also called Immanuel which means, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23). Many prophecies were made about Him in the bible. Like, He can bring peace to the World, (Isaiah 9:6&7). He is called the anointed one, (Psalm 2:2). And one of my favorites, (John 1:29) “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Later there were some wise men that came and worshipped Him, (Matthew 2:1&2). Let us try and be like those wise men this Christmas season and Worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, (Revelation 19:16).

Following the angel’s instructions, the shepherds arrived in Bethlehem to find the newborn baby lying in a manger. Wondering why these strangers had come to see her child, the shepherds told Mary about the angels’ announcement. Luke says, “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”

GARDENER’S MAILBAG Dear Neil: We mowed our yard and forgot to replace the screen around our magnolia tree that I gave my wife several years ago. I discovered a buck deer had shredded the tree leaving only one inch of bark intact.

Atotal of $18 billion in property tax cuts were approved by more than 80% of voters in the November general election and should be reflected in property tax bills that are due by Jan. 31. The cuts come in the form of increased home exemptions, lower school district rates, and limiting the amount property appraisals can rise.