Advent #1 – HOPE

’Tis the first week of Advent, friends!

As I shared in my first Advent post two years ago, Advent is the four-week period leading up to Christmas. It is meant to be a time to quiet one’s soul in preparation for the joy of Christmas. I have found that, especially in the midst of the holiday rush, meditating intentionally upon the wonder of all this season means has made my Christmas celebrations more meaningful.

I enjoy Christmas more when I take time – even a few minutes each day –...