Do you remember the pivotal scene in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” when all the whos in Whoville gathered around the community Christmas Tree to sing and celebrate, sans gifts, festive lights, and even the roast beast? Of course we come together to celebrate the birth of the Christ, the first and best Christmas gift ever!

It’s been a year of widespread uncertainties, of pockets increasingly shallow, and resources threatened. Can we rise above the struggles of this world, Dear Reader, to simply embrace and share the gift of our Savior through words and actions to those around us?

On a recent tv program, a working dad was talking to someone about the dreams and hopes he had for his kids. The dad said he didn’t mind having to work hard for them, but it would be great if things were just a little bit easier. He wasn’t asking for a handout or early retirement, “just a little bit . . . “

For me, the response (and challenge) comes from the book of Proverbs:

the precious possession of a [wise] man is diligence [because he recognizes opportunities and seizes them].

Proverb 12:27b AMP

How can I give the Christ a gift of diligence in seeking, recognizing, and seizing opportunities to serve His children around me . . . even just a little bit? It doesn’t have to be a big thing to make a big difference, Dear Reader. God knows we’re not all magi bearing lavish, expensive gifts. I think He also knows the name of every shepherd who left his flock to come and worship His Son.

In case you’re in the shepherd giving category, like me, The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation offers a lot of good ideas on ways to seize an opportunity to serve one another (you might be surprised at some of them).