He is also the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He might come to have first place in everything.     Colossians 1:18 HCSB

Where do you put Jesus at Christmastime? Last week in Children’s Church, the kids were talking about their Elf on a Shelf. It’s a cute concept that kids seem to enjoy. I got a short tutorial on how the whole things works. Apparently, the scout elf comes from the North Pole on December 1st. The elf reports nightly to Santa as to whether the child has been naughty or nice and returns to the family home.

This is a really cute Christmas tradition and as traditions go, it’s a fairly recent one. It was introduced in 2005 by Carol Aebersold and her twin daughters, Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts.

I’m sure most of you know where your Christmas tree is, I bet you know where your gifts have been placed. If you use elf on a shelf, I’m sure you know where he or she is. Where is Jesus in your Christmas traditions? We all say He’s the reason for the season, but is he placed away on a shelf somewhere?

Are you too busy with holiday parties and celebrations to remember Him? Christmas will fall on Sunday this year. This doesn’t happen often. Will you celebrate Jesus-the best gift we have ever received, or will you be too busy opening presents and honoring traditions to make it to church?

Are you daily taking time to spend with Him in Bible study and prayer or are you just too busy buying and wrapping gifts? Do you spend time teaching your children to worship Jesus at Christmastime and not get lost in the commercialism that has become central to this time of year?

In Deuteronomy 5, Moses gave the Ten Commandments again. In Deuteronomy 6, he gave the greatest commandment of all in verse 5, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” He then instructed them to keep these words in their heart and to teach them to their children.

In verses 6-9 he reminds them of the importance of these commands by saying, “Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Is Jesus front and center of your Christmas celebration or has he been put on the shelf until you have time to consider Him? There’s nothing wrong with celebrating Christmas traditions as long as we don’t lose Jesus in all the bustle. Take time each day to pray and study your Bible. Love Him with all your heart, soul and mind.

Give Him first place in everything. Teach your children to do the same. Honor Him in all you say and do.

Have a great day!