Awaiting Christ With Childlike Hope

Who readies their hearts for Christmas better than children? Thinking back to my own childhood, the anxiousness and anticipation for Christmas morning was almost unbearable – I could not wait for Santa to arrive! I had complete trust in his eventual arrival: The thought never crossed my mind that Santa might not come. And, as sure as the sun would rise, I would wake up on December 25th (way earlier than my parents, and even my siblings, would want) to find the wrapped-up evidence of his visit the night before.

Now that I’m older and have put such “childish ways” aside, perhaps there is something to be learned from my younger self. Indeed, in today’s Gospel, Jesus rejoices and says, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike” (Luke 10:21).

Am I anticipating the arrival of my Newborn King with the same eagerness I awaited Santa all those years ago? Am I as certain of the Lord’s arrival in my own heart as I was that Santa would visit my house each Christmas? Am I as welcoming to Jesus in my heart as I was with Santa in my home? Not that Jesus is expecting cookies and milk, but how am I preparing my heart to make Him feel at home and appreciated? Do I experience that sense of awe when I realize He really did come?

The coming of our Lord is even more certain than Santa, and every Advent we have the opportunity to recapture that innocent spirit of childlike anticipation and wonder at His arrival.  Let us pray today for such a gift!

Anna Mitchell is the host and producer of the Son Rise Morning Show on EWTN. Download their app or listen online at sonrisemorningshow.com