Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, As we enter into another Advent season yet again, memories of summer and autumn fade almost as quickly as the crimson and yellow leaves detach from the branches of trees and fall to the ground. The days continue to grow colder, daylight hesitantly gives way to the darkness of night, and we approach the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, December 21st, the winter solstice (literally – “standing still”). For some, the seasons of Advent and Christmas can be a difficult time. Those who grieve the loss of loved ones, employment, income, or whom experience life altering circumstances find that this time of year causes some to feel depressed, stressed, frustrated, sad, etc. … Continue reading →