And so we begin the march toward the shortest day of the year; the darkness descends.

Let it come this year; don't fight it.

Instead, light the candles early and often. Find a way to create a warm glow in your home, no matter how humble.

And let the dark outside remind you that the Light of the World promised that no darkness could overcome his radiance.

No darkness in the world around us - pandemics, politicians, pastors who have lost their way.

No darkness in our own souls - greed, grift, grumbling.

No darkness of any kind can ever overpower the light of Grace, the brilliance of the Christ, the blinding beauty of the God-baby born to save this dark world from sin.

No, don't fight the darkness. That battle has already been fought and won.

This Advent, let the darkness descend, for the Light of the World says, "... the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Let the darkness descend.