The lightdisperses the darkness, but the darkness returns. In those cold night that cast large shadows and dim our best efforts, we remember that sin, disorder, and the devil threaten to overwhelm our weary world. Here, during each Sunday of Advent as another candle is lit, we call to mind our hope that burns brighter each week. We recall that ultimate hope of a light that will descend into darkness, even the darkness of our hearts, and unlike these candles, will never burn out. As we move past the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday that points us to the nearness of Christ, our hope and joy; we prepare in the midst of pain, suffering, evil, loss, sorrow, and sin, trusting that no matter how deep the darkness, Christ will go deeper still. Advent prepares us for Christ who has come to us, continues to meet us, and has promised to come again. Advent prepares us for the light that will push back the darkness, and the promise that "the darkness will not overcome." From dark night to dark night, from candle light to candle light, we are moving towards that moment when, born in some obscure night 2000 years ago, the Light of the World comes quietly wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying in a manger.