Krisitn, 

Thanks for your words. It is interesting because the whole concept of Advent was not something that I grew up with. I came into learning about it in college. The churches I went to utilized the spirit of Advent, but not in a formal manner. 

"Advent is ultimately about having hope that with God’s guidance, we’ll emerge from the darkness, back into the light"

This quote of yours is so true. We can get caught up into the tradtion and into the prescribed "meanings" of ritual that the value is rote as best.  I pray that we can find the hope we have through Jesus Christ in genuine trationtion and everyday occurances. 

I hope you, Jason &amp; the girls are doing well.