Those Lexus ads are so romantic and heart-warming: pretty people expressing their love with a surprise gift of a brand new car with a big red bow on top. In previous years, I found them slightly irritating. This year, given the pain in world, they strike me as unfeeling and insensitive. Here’s my solution, inspired by yesterday’s sermon by our minister, Liz Lerner-Maclay. She is working for peace this holiday season by contributing half a camel through Heifer International. I just bought a share in a camel and hope that others in my congestion will also contribute to make Rev. Liz’s camel “whole”. Imagine a big red bow on that!

If you can afford a Lexus, but you really don’t need a new car, give a Gift of Transformation from Heifer International. For $25,000, you can give

“Herds of heifers, llama and goats,
Flocks of both sheep and chickens,
A pen of pigs,
A school of fish,
And, of course, a gaggle of geese!”

Your gift also provides the training the recipients need to make sure your gift is productive and fruitful. Give it to your loved ones with your wish for a peaceful world.