“When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” Luke 2:48

I walked in on a very serious conversation. Sensing the tone, I listened carefully, taking in the words being said so that I would not be disruptive. The look on my grandson’s face was priceless, as he was doing some intense contemplating. I learned he had committed a SERIOUS infraction, and that I had just happened to walk in during the remedial negotiation process between him and his mom! His crime? He had touched ‘The Elf!’

I had known about ‘Elf on a Shelf’ as we have had one in my family for years. My wife and daughters are all over this Christmas tradition, comparing notes and ideas to aid its effectiveness. And the Elf’s job? To watch child behavior and nightly report back to Santa so Santa can upgrade his ‘naughty or nice’ list! For behavior modification, the idea is pure genius!

When I was a kid we would actually GO visit Santa and PERSONALLY give an account of our behavior. It was a fearful thing because we were never really SURE if we were on his NICE list and had earned “toy status.” But a 1 time behavioral modification proved WAY too ineffective. Enter “Elf on a Shelf” with the job of recording EVERY action…and updating Santa EVERY NIGHT! Breaking the rules becomes VERY serious when ‘Elf’ shows up!

I had this in the back of my mind as I was reading about Jesus as a child. I was ASTONISHED when I read that Mary & Joseph were astonished at Jesus’ independence, and then gave him a harsh reprimand! “WHY HAVE YOU TREATED US LIKE THIS?” If Elf had been around, Jesus would have been reported as ‘naughty!’ Yes… JESUS! Which, when I think about it, seems to have a hint of being a little sacrilegious!

The Bible goes on to tell us that AFTER this happened, “He (Jesus) went down to Nazareth with them (Mary & Joseph) and was obedient to them.” Vs 51. Which makes me wonder… did Jesus do ANYTHING He didn’t HAVE to do… just because Mary and Joseph expected it of Him? And if He did… should I? I mean, after all… His REAL Father WAS watching… AND keeping His own list!! Clearly.. even JESUS had CHOICES! Which leaves ‘ME’ with a question for ‘ME’… What is it that motivates… ME?