Like Christmas Morning

My parents recently returned from Spain where they spent over a month walking the Camino De Santiago. The day after they got back they made a trip to little old Hillsdale to visit us for the weekend. I know they were missing their grand babies like crazy, and several times throughout the month they were gone Cooper would look at me and ask where Nanny and Poppy were. Sometimes he’d even go upstairs to our guest room looking for them. He always returned a little confused. I am so thankful for FaceTime and it’s ability to connect us to them though we seemed worlds apart.

We were all delighted when they showed up and we were physically able to touch and hug and laugh. Cooper instantly went into show off mode which is always entertaining. We cooked delicious food and celebrated a journey well traveled and a long awaited coming home.

The house began to stir back to life early Saturday morning. I love when my parents are here because my dad is always up before me. I can count on a fresh pot of coffee waiting for me in the kitchen and good company when the kiddos have me up at the crack of dawn. Cooper loves to wake up my mom, and I enjoy listening to them talk and sing before they come back downstairs. My dad made a comment, something I’d been thinking myself as well, that it’s like Christmas morning around here.

The smell of coffee filling our cozy home, the pitch black night still consuming the sky, and dim lights lit throughout the house bring back memories of Christmas’ past. Cooper’s morning enthusiasm is the icing on the cake. Even though there are no presents under a tree, he is joyful to be awake and with people he loves. Childlike simplicity. He reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas and not only that, but the true meaning of life.

For His mercies never fail. They are new every morning.

Waking up like it’s Christmas is more than gifts being under a tree or excitement for the great plans of the day. It is waking up ready to receive Christ into our hearts. Waking up ready to receive His mercies, His love, His joy.

Advent is all about preparation for the birth of Christ. Wake up, smell the coffee, and get excited for the wonderful gift of Christ in your life. Ignite the joy and peace that He has come to fill you with. Begin preparing your hearts to receive Him in His fullness. That’s what we should be focusing on this season. That’s what is so easily lost in the noise of the secular holiday.

As I’m writing this, the Christmas tree is lit beside me and I can hear Cooper stirring upstairs in his room. He is singing Baa Baa Black Sheep and it may be the cutest thing ever. In the room next to him Reagan is babbling joyfully. They are both so content and happy. That is the greatest blessing!

It’s not Christmas yet, but the gifts from Heaven never cease. The gifts that matter most are continually flowing, we just have to remember, to watch, and be ready to receive.

It is like Christmas morning around here. And for that I am so so thankful.