This year, those of us in the northern hemisphere will celebrate Christmas not only in the solar darkness, but in lunar darkness as well.[i]  Somehow this seems fitting.  Whether due to financial circumstances, turmoil in family or church, or illness and loss, many people that I encounter (and sometimes I, myself) feel like they are groping about in a dark and fearful place.  We are overwhelmed, discouraged, fearful, angry… or just deeply sad.  We may find it hard to be in an Advent-Christmas sort of mood – all joyful and expectant – with so much heaviness of heart and mind. 

 It is just to such a place and to people in such condition that the Babe of Bethlehem comes.  And in this, we find our hope… at Christmas time and for each day of the year.   I leave you with one of my favorite Advent prayers.[ii]