Right in the centre - Yes, it's up to us

By Ken Waddell

The Neepawa Banner

(The following column was first printed in 2006. The circumstances have shifted some but the Christmas message is eternal.)

In a world that seems to go increasingly off course every day, it was somewhat heartening to see some support for a Christmas tradition. It seems that a judge in Ontario decided that a Christmas tree was the wrong thing for people to see as they entered the lobby of her courthouse. Allegedly, the offending tree was put in a side room behind closed doors. It happens every year. Some well-intentioned (or could it be ill-intentioned) soul decides that they are offended by a Christmas tree. Or they decide that “some” people will be offended by a Christmas tree. 

Read more: Right in the centre - Yes, it's up to us

Faithfully yours - What really happened in Bethlehem

By Neil Strohschein

The Neepawa Banner

The more I study the Scriptural accounts of Jesus’ birth, the more amazed I become. His was no ordinary birth because, as we have seen, he was no ordinary baby. He was the all-powerful, all-knowing, eternally existent creator who formed and ruled over all facets of his creation. Jesus was that God—revealed in human form. He was “the Word (who) became flesh and lived for a while among us.” (John 1:14)

Read more: Faithfully yours - What really happened in Bethlehem

Homebodies - Angels with broken wings...

By Rita Friesen

The Neepawa Banner

Among my crèche collection is a hand crafted ceramic trio, Joseph, Mary and babe in manger, created in shades of blue and grey, that call to me. I am certain it was a gift, for alas, I seldom indulge myself in works of art. At another time I was gifted an angel, smaller that the trio, but of the same colour and style. The four-inch-tall member of the angelic host was designed to be a tree ornament, but somehow, on this earthly voyage, a wing got broken.

Read more: Homebodies - Angels with broken wings...

Observation - Dec. 16, 2016

By Addy Oberlin

The Neepawa Banner

December is often known as the “dark” month. When we get up in the morning it is still dark outside and at suppertime we need to have the light on. For some people the long evenings by artificial lights are depressing, for others it brings a feeling of coziness.

Read more: Observation - Dec. 16, 2016

Right in the centre - Not always as it appears

By Ken Waddell

The Neepawa Banner

Over the years, I have personally experienced many situations where things weren’t always as they appear. In business, in community work, in our personal lives, we are always learning more about how things work. I have learned for example, that in politics, it is about ability but it’s also about availability. Fortunately, we get some very competent people into politics, but we lose out on the contribution of many competent individuals because they may not be available. Maybe they are too busy to get involved or too timid to step forward.

Read more: Right in the centre - Not always as it appears