You might ask, “Why livestock?” The answer, according to the good folks at Heifer International, is that meeting basic human needs is not enough of an answer to curing the dire social ills of the world. After immediate needs for food, shelter, fresh water, clothing and other necessities have been met, Heifer works within communities to empower people “with the economic means - such as livestock, training and other resources - to rebuild their families, their neighborhoods and their hope for sustainable futures.”

So this year, send a flock of hope. And when the livestock arrives, know that it brings with it “the benefits of milk, wool, draft power, eggs and offspring” to improve and sustain the lives of those much less fortunate, who then pass their gifts on to others in their community. Glad tidings, indeed.