Where is Jesus This Christmas?
According to a Foxnews.com story, Cottondale Elementary School in Jackson County Florida is displaying their nativity scene on the lawn, just as they’ve done for years. But this year, it’s different. A snowman is lying in the manger. Baby Jesus is stored away in the closet.
As you might guess, their decision to put Baby Jesus away was made because of the threat of a lawsuit. Questions of political correctness and constitutionality are the issue.
As I read the article, I wish I could say I was shocked, but I sighed instead. I’m afraid it’s just one more step in the downward slide our nation is taking.
Then I realized that Jesus-in-the-closet is also a picture of life. Even for those who follow Jesus, how often do we put Him in the closet?
Most of us don’t have lawsuits that lead us to push Jesus aside. However, as we celebrate Christmas, what percentage of our celebration is focused on His birth? What about our decorations and our spending? Is Jesus in the center of our Christmas?
In the busyness of the season, how many times does He get put off because we don’t have time to sit at His feet?
If a stranger looked closely, would they see Jesus at the center of your Christmas, or is He hidden in the back room—or even in the closet?
It’s easy to point the finger at those who are working to remove God from America, but if we aren’t careful, we’ll do the same without meaning to. If Jesus was in the right spot in the heart of Christians, would the world be able to push Him aside?
It’s time to take note. Frosty the Snowman in the manger could be a reminder—and a warning—for all of us.
Where do you find the greatest temptation to push Jesus aside? What have you found that helps you keep Him centered during the busy holiday season?
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