Devotion for First Week of Advent

I came across this story in a college chaplain’s blog last year. I would like to share it with you now.

Several years ago on campus, I heard a story about freshman who decided it was about time she experienced her first college date. Her roommate, who was a junior, asked whether she preferred Southern boys or Northern boys. Since she was from Wisconsin, she was unaware of such nuances in the male gender and asked her roommate, “What’s the difference?”

Her roommate answered, "Southern boys are more romantic. They will take you walking in the moonlight, point out beautiful trees and plants 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?"

I shared this story as an illustration that we have certain expectations when we have to make decisions 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 as we prepare during the season of Advent.

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

Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:8