Second Sunday of Advent

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent.

Today/tonight, we light the second candle in our wreath. Customs around the world vary as to which candle carries which meaning and when it’s lighted, but where I am right now, the second candle is called “Joy.”

The nature of Joy is elemental. You can’t really plan for it to happen (though you may hope), and often are surprised by its appearance in an unlikely place or time.

Joy is a comet—often unexpected in its coming, but the tail of its memory stretches...