Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matthew 6:8 NRSV Bible)
I remember a story of a college freshman who decided it was about time she experienced her first college date. Her roommate, who was a senior, asked whether she preferred Southern boys or Northern boys. Since she was from South Dakota she was unaware of such nuances in the male gender and asked what the difference was.

Her roommate answered, "Southern boys are more romantic. They will take you walking in the moonlight and whisper sweet nothings in your ear. Northern boys are more active. They like to go places and do exciting things."

The girl pondered the contrast and then asked wistfully, "Could you please find me a Southern boy from as far North as possible?"

This story suggests an expectation we often have when we have to make a decision in our life. We love to have the best of both worlds. We love to have our cake and eat it too. However, I think we know that when we are forced to choose which direction we will take in life it frequently involves lots of challenges. It is rarely the best of both worlds. We have some tough decisions to make this Christmas too.

"What do you want for Christmas?" That is a question we often hear during this time of the year. But the question I want to ask is "What do you need for Christmas?"

God of peace, give me what I really need for Christmas. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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