92°F
weather icon Clear
Boulder City, NV
Opinion

City’s enduring dedication to historic preservation

By Rod Woodbury
December 12, 2024 - 5:02 pm
 

The true spirit of Christmas has always been more about giving than getting. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son … .” (John 3:16). Yet too many of us increasingly focus on the receiving side of that equation.

Of course, as children it’s fun and magical to wake up early on Christmas morning and see what presents Santa left under the tree. But during the holidays, are we also helping our children experience the even greater joys of giving? And equally as important, are we experiencing those joys ourselves?

Our celebration of Christmas should be a reflection of the selfless love taught by Jesus Christ himself. Remember, too, that the best gifts aren’t material. They can’t be placed in a box and neatly wrapped. Physical gifts are just symbols for the real gifts. The real gifts are largely invisible and can only be felt with our hearts.

Real giving happens when we give of ourselves. Every one of us can give the gift of a friendly smile. We can light the world with kindness. We can lend our helping hands to those in need. We can share good tidings of great joy by singing carols. Each of us can have an understanding heart and be a shoulder to cry on.

We can all be peacemakers. We can mourn with those who have lost a loved one. We can comfort others who are down on their luck financially or who have experienced a disruptive catastrophe in their lives. We can forgive those who have wronged or offended us. We can all love and serve our neighbors. Each of us can strive to heal a broken relationship.

You and I can give the supernal gift of our time and attention. We can be good listeners. We can worship together. We can pass along a legacy of integrity and trust by the way we live our lives. We can show our appreciation for the blessings others have bestowed on us with genuine expressions of thanks.

Giving, not getting, kindles the real joy of Christmas. So, this holiday season, give the eternal gift of yourself and watch the ripple effect manifest itself for good in a thousand ways you never even imagined. Then it really will be the most wonderful time of year.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
bcr default image
Gathering is golden
By Rod Woodbury

Boulder City is exceptionally adept at staging major annual events and festivals for visitors to enjoy. Art in the Park, Spring Jam, Best Dam Barbecue, the Fourth of July Damboree Celebration, Wurst Festival, Santa’s Electric Light Parade, and Bootleg Canyon mountain bike events are just a few examples. Of course, many Boulder City residents enjoy those, too.

bcr default image
Pack safety into sun and fun plans
By Julie Calloway Parks and Recreation Director

Summer is almost here. As the temperatures rise, many of us will be looking for opportunities to cool down.

bcr default image
May may be my favorite month
By Mayor Joe Hardy

Boulder City is the place to be this time of the year, with so many fantastic events and festivals.

bcr default image
Castile soap, the superstar multi-tasker
By Norma Vally

Soap isn’t typically something we give much thought to, but when Castile soap bubbled up in my world three times in one week, for completely different reasons, I took it as a sign. So, in scrubbing up on my soap knowledge it became clear—Castile soap is, well, soaprier.

bcr default image
A graduation gift to remember
By Ron Eland Editor

Over the last couple of weeks, I twice drove over the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge, aka the Hoover Dam bypass.

bcr default image
Democracy dies in … Oh, shut up
By Bill Evans Boulder City Review

OK, so, fair warning. I may be a little “spicier” than normal. It’s been a challenging couple of weeks and I’m in a worse mood than usual.

bcr default image
Real ID will help combat terrorism
By Chuck N. Baker

Most veterans in Nevada are aware that when they obtain a driver’s license or renew their old one, they can ask the DMV to add the word “veteran” on the license. While that won’t give them a get-out-of-jail-free card, it might evoke some sympathy from an officer if a veteran is pulled over for a minor infraction. (No guarantee, but it has happened to me.)

bcr default image
Centenarian Sara, a Boulder City treasure
By Rod Woodbury

At 100 years of age, Sara Denton is certainly one of Boulder City’s oldest residents. And if you’ve met her, you’ll likely agree that she’s one of its most cheerful residents as well. Sara loves to laugh and has always lived life with gusto and adventure.

bcr default image
Know what wheels kids can (and can’t) operate
By Police Chief Tim Shea and Acting Fire Chief Greg Chesser

Motorized devices are growing in popularity, especially with teens, but many parents don’t know the legalities or the dangers.

bcr default image
Teamwork resonates in City Hall
By Mayor Joe Hardy

Every year, college basketball fans get excited for their team to play in the “Big Dance.” March Madness (women’s and men’s NCAA basketball) is down to the final four teams this weekend. It’s estimated that 34 million brackets were completed this year.