The day we put up the Christmas tree, our two-year-old neighbour spotted us getting home with it and came flying round to help. First out of the box of decorations was the small wooden nativity set, which was carefully arranged on the window sill. Within minutes though, it started disappearing. Little Maya was quick to spot an opportunity, and instantly re-homed Mary and Joseph in the three storey pink dolls’ house which stands in the corner of the living room. The cattle soon followed and a new, blended family rapidly learnt to share the relative comfort of the house, while the stable was left bare.

It was a touching and humorous moment, but with a serious message for us all. A small child could spot a family in need, see a solution and instantly remedy the situation. There was no pausing to consider political, economic or even religious implications. It brought to mind what Jesus meant when he said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’

2016 has been well documented as an awful year, with a collective sense of relief on the first of January! While some of the sadness was unavoidable, we must be careful not to adopt a passive response, but get out there and change things. Could 2017 be the year when we all act on our childlike instincts to help other people, relieving poverty and distress wherever we can?

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