Can I Open It?

Monday, December 29, 2025

Happy Monday and Happy Holidays, my friends! There’s a certain magic connected with the winter holidays and often the best place to find it is in the eyes of a child who still believes in Santa Claus. For me that’s my nephew, Jack. On Christmas Eve we continued a tradition started by my brother-in-law’s dad of feasting on Chinese food and then opening presents among the six of us. After presents and dinner, we drove around Urbana looking at Christmas lights, including two houses that went all out with coordinated music on the radio. Jack’s eyes lit up in a way that only children’s eyes can.

But on Christmas Day, Jack was the only kid with ten of his favorite adults. When it came time to open presents (which would have been as soon as Jack arrived if he had his way), Jack begrudgingly accepted the tradition that the youngest person who can walk plays Santa. After selecting and opening three of his own gifts, he grabbed a large gift bag, delivered it to its recipient, and asked in a loud voice, “Can I open it?”

Innocently asked, “Can I open it?” is the ultimate expression of joy. It means we’re excited about what’s inside because we know it might be and likely is something good. We want to dive in and explore the gift, the situation, or the curiosity. Nothing makes us dread what might come next. That type of joy isn’t readily available to most adults and even many children. We unfortunately know that many surprises are not the kind to be awaited with expectant wonder. Yet, if we slow down for a few moments, we might be able to experience a little of that joy, a hint of that wonder.

This is one of the lessons the Christmas season[1] tries to teach us. The world wasn’t expecting anything special that night and yet the liberator and savior of the world was born. In the midst of all our expectations, fears, and uncertainties, something extraordinary can enter our reality and nothing will be the same after.

Where are you finding joy this Christmas season? Are there any places or events where joy surprised you?

Let us pray: God, you sent us joy at Christmas in the person of your Son. Continue sending us moments of joy which surprise and challenge us, particularly when our world and reality seem the most joyless. Help us find the joy which you inspire and people around us fulfill. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Blessings on your weeks, my friends! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Faithfully,

Ben +

[1] Remember, the Christmas season lasts until Epiphany on January 6.