"Jesus is the reason for the season."

"What would Jesus do?"

The phrases are catchy, but have they become gimmicks that do little more than give us a pass on personal accountability in certain circumstances? Do they deflect attention from what our role should be and onto Jesus? Remember, he's done his part.

Are we so busy spouting popular expressions that we don't fully explore what's beneath them, what's expected of us?

At Christmas more than any time, giving is what's expected of us.

I'm not talking about giving another needless gift to someone who can't tell you what they want because they already have two of everything.

I'm talking about giving, as he did, to those without hope.

The opportunity to do so is different for each of us.

My opportunity came over the weekend.

A sweet, 13-year-old boy pleaded with me.

When I took his kid sister on her next outing after the holidays, could he go?

The request caught me off guard. I figured, "What 13-year-old boy wants to pal around with me and his third-grade sister?"

I begged off.

"We've got to get you a Big Brother," I said, trying to placate him. He didn't let me off the hook. What he said next left me fumbling for a response.

"Will you help me get one?"

I don't know that I can deliver. Children's and youth organizations in the Roanoke and New River valleys bemoan the shortage of adult male volunteers.

After a second, I decided there's no rule that says I can't give a good kid who just wants a respite from difficult circumstances an afternoon at Thunder Valley.

For me, promising a kid an afternoon of fun (and following through) is my way of giving. For you, it might be visiting an elderly neighbor who has no relatives.

For others, it may be fulfilling an Angel Tree wish from a boy who asked for a shirt and socks but wouldn't be upset if you surprised him with a box of Legos, too.

Maybe giving for you is writing a check to a charity struggling with shrinking donations and increasing clients. Or caroling. Or adopting a disadvantaged family. Or visiting the sick.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

He was, as I wrote last year, the greatest gift ever given. Yet, if we follow his example -- and that's the part where we often fall short -- we brighten the lives of others.

The deeper question is not, "What would Jesus do?"

But rather, "What would Jesus have me do?"

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• Posted by Shanna Flowers in State & national issues
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