Advent! My favorite season of the year. But why? I’ve been thinking of that of late. Certainly part of it is because Christmas itself is such a wonderful holiday and beautiful celebration. But if that were the only reason, I think I’d say “Christmas is my favorite holiday.” But...

In case you haven’t guessed yet, I love Advent and Christmas. This is, in fact, my favorite time of the year. The anticipation; the growing darkness and the warmth of our lights intended not only to hold the darkness at bay but to illumine its secrets; the planning and preparation; and all...