In a spiritual sense, the true message of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, conveys a similar message.

As inhabitants of this endangered planet, we are also running out of time regarding our eternal destiny.

John 3: 16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Even if we can save our planet from the effects of global warming it will always be ravaged by war, hatred, greed and injustice, whereas through the birth of Christ, God has provided a way for us to enjoy eternal peace and joy when our earthly life comes to an end.

I AGREE with Robert Lee (The Examiner, December 17), what a joyous sight they are, Christmas lights in full bloom, especially for children.

Ah yes, the wonders of the insane expectations of Christmas in capitalism, where families mortgage their home to buy presents.

The joys of a first-world Christmas, where there is no room in the Inns, meaning women’s shelters and the like.

Here in a civilised country, where children go to church to be patted on the head by unrepentant clergy who still demand “give us your money or we will sell your church”.

Perhaps many children here in the first world would gladly swap those lights, presents and pats on the head just to be able to have their voices heard now, not in 40 years time, now when it matters most.

Respect, peace and quality family and friends time throughout the year are the greatest gifts of all.

All we need are humane politicians and preachers to support families to bring these gifts to life and create true joy in the world.

BYE, bye Berni, the words used to announce the retirement from orthopaedic surgery of Professor Berni Einoder (The Examiner, December 21).

I carry two replacement knees and a hip given to me by this genius.

He led the use of orthopaedic surgery in Tasmania giving pain relief to thousands.

Also training other doctors in skills to help people who were crippled with joint problems.

His passion and skills could not be matched in orthopaedic surgery.

Professor Berni Einoder not only used his fantastic talent but showed leadership, becoming director of surgery and chief executive of the LGH.

A workaholic, he consulted, operated, taught other doctors, and also got up at ridiculous hours in the morning to attend his beloved garden.

He will be missed in the operating theatre, but his passion will continue in his teaching of new doctors.

He is a legend.

Thank you, Berni, from a grateful patient.

It’s a bit rich for B. Luies (The Examiner, December 19) to blame our youth for excessive consumption in a world which they have inherited. It is perverted logic to lay the blame on their doorstep. 

If they are self-indulgent one wonders how they might have learnt such behaviour.

Our young striking to draw the attention of our decision makers to take decisive, responsible steps to address climate change is a noble cause.

The suggestion of virtue signalling by B. Luies automatically reminds me of someone who has been overexposed to the musings of the reactionaries that infest our national daily newspaper. 

Activism is not favoured by conservatives. As a person who grew to an adult in the '60s, I vividly remember how activism had a profound influence in making a better world.

I totally agree with the column Jo Palmer wrote (The Sunday Examiner, December 16). Obesity isn’t caused by adults drinking wine and sugary drinks. 

It begins in childhood when lazy parents feed their children fast food and cereals saturated with sugars including those labelled as “natural” and “healthy”. By the time they’re adults they’re already obese.

Those of us who enjoy our wine in retirement should not be expected to foot the bill with a tax on one of the few things we can enjoy. 

The percentage of the population deemed to be obese will be far higher in the under 40s than the over 40s. Check your “figures”.

It is a sad time with the closure of the RSPCA in Launceston. 

Now I'll never know if Larry, the kelpie and an avid gardener, is adopted. Whoever wrote the little stories about the dogs up for adoption was great and I hope that the Hobart dogs home can do the same when they take over. 

As the RSPCA website has now gone, I guess the dogs have been relocated too. 

Why a gap of six weeks before the new group take over? Bad planning on someone's part.