It was likely the latest on Christmas Day that we have ever done it–well past 2 in the afternoon.

I’m not complaining, mind you.

After leading two Christmas Eve services, driving 200 km to my sister’s place, arriving at midnight, then visiting for nearly two hours before hitting the hay, this just-turned 55-year-old body did not mind the opportunity to sleep in one bit!

And when we did wake up around 9, we got busy preparing for the Christmas Lunch which needed to be served by noon when my parents would join us. By the time we finished eating, it was almost 2 p.m.

That’s when someone brought up the gifts. Ah, the gifts! Yes, let’s open gifts!

The youngest in the house being a mature 12 may have had something to do with the tardiness.

That coupled with the fact that most of us knew pretty much what we were getting for Christmas.

For some it would be cash and gift cards. For the rest of us, it would be one of the items on the lists we had submitted well in advance.

In other words, there was very little suspense to keep us guessing. Not a whole lot of surprise to build up the anticipation.

Again, I’m not complaining. Just the facts, ma’am!

However, I couldn’t help but wonder whether our experience mirrors that of many of us in the Church.

• Do our celebrations become so wrapped up in the expected that there is no more room for expectancy?

• Do we get too caught up in worrying about all the preparations that we have lost the wonder of it all?

• Do our gifts of most-desired items to our loved ones mask the magnitude of the Gift that was given to those who least deserved it? (Romans 5:6-8)

• Have we pastors contributed to it by making our Christmas services too predictable?

I wonder.

Makes me realize why Jesus said: “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 18:3)

Granted Jesus was talking about humbling oneself and repenting in order to simply enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

But we cannot ignore the fact that children approach everything in life, especially Christmas, with a sense of wonder and expectancy.

Even though they have written their “Dear Santa” letters already, there is still an element of surprise that makes them anticipate what will await them on Christmas morning.

Thus, I cannot help but ask the question: “Do we need to repent of our lack of wonder, expectancy and surprise—not just when it comes to Christmas, but with our entire Christian walk?”

Do we wake up every morning eager to see how God would show up that day?

When we spend time reading His word, do we expect Him to catch us off guard with surprising revelation?

As we offer our prayers, do we dictate how God should answer them or do we submit to His ways, no matter how offbeat they may be?

Will you pray this with me?

“Lord, I repent. I become as a little child. Let me never stop expecting surprises from you. May I never ever lose my sense of wonder. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”