GREG’S GRAPEVINE ……a friend sent me a link on the Internet to watch and hear a new Christmas song; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JCrsGvhXGE. The title of the song, Where is the Line for Jesus? Isn’t this a great question to ask during this time of the year? If for no other reason, I think it is a great question to ponder for my Grapevine. If you have the opportunity, try to watch it. For those without the access of the Internet, the video image begins with a woman shopping in the local mall. With her bags in hand, she passes by a long line of children waiting to sit on Santa’s lap. This moment of reality caused a moment of reflection … where is the line for Jesus? In the midst of busy holiday shopping, Christmas decorations, and office parties, it does seem that people of faith ~ specifically Christians ~ need to ask this question. Since viewing this video and listening to the words of the song I have taken a “new” notice to the Santas at retail areas. Here are a few of my discoveries.

1. I have seen parents convince their children; infants through teenagers, to sit on Santa’s lap.
   • The infants don’t have a clue as to who this person in red happens to be, but are placed on his lap. Although the child is not cognitively able to understand, the parents have a mountain-top experience witnessing their child on this stranger’s lap.
   • Younger children squirm, scream, have the fear of anxiety in their expressions, and yet the parents encourage and entice their child to stay on this stranger’s lap. Also, there are plenty of children who are personally excited to warm this stranger’s knee and there are laughter and big smiles.
   • Grade school children (grades K–12), male and female, are encouraged by parents or peer groups to sit on this stranger’s lap. It appears that they just want to have fun and be seen with Santa.
2. Santa’s visiting area is set prominently in the most visible and most congested area of the mall; when possible. The assumption for me is that the retail owners want everyone to be sure to find Santa. The lines give me the clue.
3. There IS a catch to this joyous event; after you sit on Santa’s lap, you MUST purchase a picture that Santa’s elves have carefully orchestrated for a price. From this point you may buy one to several copies, and choose from several different packages.

Where is the line for Jesus? Interesting question to ponder … originally, Christmas celebrated the birth of the proclaimed Messiah; Emmanuel ~ God with us. I realize this is not what Christmas means outside of the church anymore, but we do know that is how it began. Wouldn’t it be amazing if somehow people of faith (Christians) would get as excited about the reason for Christmas as they do about what it has become? What would the church look like if parents brought their children to church with encouragement, all ages, and were encouraging to get them involved? What would happen if we claimed to be Christians in visible ways and were prominently claiming why the Good News of Jesus is important for life in our community? What would happen in the church if people celebrated the life of the church by giving money for the sake of helping others? I wonder … would there be a line on Sunday mornings to come into this kind of church?

                         Pastor Greg