Today was Christmas day 2007. This morning, I was able to see the day with a new perspective - one of 3 little kiddos anticipating and then opening presents. What joy! What delight! The DAY we've finally waited for has finally arrived!!! Hurray!!! No need to eat breakfast - let's get on to what's important, let's get on to the meaning of the day - PRESENTS!
Ok, maybe it wasn't that extreme, but having spent the last year and 1/2 with Tristen, Hadyn and Ansa Kate, I know they were excited about today. They love Christmas. Hadyn had been walking around for a week now holding and shaking one of his presents because of his anticipation to know what was inside. He'd been climbing under the tree to look at what new surprises were there. Tristen had been doing the same - reading the names to decide who gets what.
So, this morning, we all sit down and begin to open presents. The first presents opened were so exciting. Every small piece of chocolate in the stocking was yet another wondrously delightful joy. From the stockings we moved on to the gifts under the tree. As the presents were opened, the joy began to fade. Sure it was great and everything was wonderful, but it was "overload - ok, I've got more than I can play with now" syndrome. At one point, we took a "break" to eat moon-pies and drink a Nehi soda and darling Hadyn said something profound... "is that it??! isn't there more to open?? do i get any more presents??" I don't remember his exact words but that was the basic idea.
I've approached today with a different filter thanks to the past few weeks at church. Christmas is more than presents, its even more than a baby being born in a stable - its the Incarnation - its God becoming a man, its the ultimate humility, its the ultimate sacrifice of a loving God. Its everything I need for this life and godliness. Yet how often do I approach it with the same excitement as Hadyn. Leading up to it, I'm excited. What will God do? How will He work? What a miracle - Jesus came to earth! And then the next day, its business as normal. its back to the daily grind. And I forget that this little story changed everything. Because I forget this, I have the same attitude as Hadyn - is that it?? isn't there more?? wait - you forgot something..."
Hadyn's excitement and anticipation that had been building up for weeks was gone 5 minutes after the shreds of wrapping paper were cleaned up. Then it was on to greater and newer things - yippee - we're going to grandpa's house - wonder what I'll get there ... mom, what's for lunch, I'm hungry... tristen, give me that back... He's missed the point. But for a 4 year old, that's no surprise. As a 26 year old, I can't plead ignorance. My prayer is that God will continue to work in my heart in revealing the mystery of the Incarnation - the wonder of His sacrifice and the unmeasureable depths of His love. That's something I should never "get past." I shouldn't even be tempted to ask "God, isn't there more... didn't you forget something (fill in your own blank here.)"