Advent Begins in the Dark

We don’t usually think of Advent as a season of darkness. Everywhere we turn, we see Christmas lights: porches glowing, trees sparkling, and windowsills warmed by candles. The world insists this is the month of cheer, brightness, and celebration. But for many who carry sorrow or trauma, Advent can feel like the loneliest stretch of the year. The contrast between all that light and your own dimming hope can feel almost too sharp to bear. We call this the season of light, but Scripture reminds us