Self on the Shelf

Bible Reading 11/4: John 14-15

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Everyone has heard of (or has been eerily visited by) "Elf on the Shelf". While this is not a tradition that we've embraced as a family, it's one that many have used as a daily activity leading up to Christmas time. He may start on a shelf, but from what I understand, anything, anywhere & anyone is fair game to "appear" on a daily basis. It apparently gets crazier & the scenes get more elaborate as you go. Some might think elf should just stay on the shelf...and that might not be a bad idea! And what about a new tradition: "Self on the Shelf"? Instead of ignoring others on the hunt for our own happiness, what if we put ourselves on the shelf, sat on the sidelines, and cheered on those around us? The Scripture says that there's no greater love than that! Nothing shows our love more than putting time aside for others...maybe even putting an important life event on hold to spend quality time with a loved one...when we do these things, people see something more valuable in us than any Christmas gift-they see the love of Jesus! Jesus makes for a more meaningful Christmas, even if you share His same gift of love every single year. His love will always make an impact-especially when you display His character in putting others first in your life! Also, we receive an amazing gift of joy through seeing the happiness in others as they receive God's love through us! Jesus is truly a Gift Who keeps on giving! Let's be Self on the Shelf this year & give the greatest Christmas gift of all-the One Who gave His life as a gift for us!