What is it we are really hoping for in Advent? Are we willing to look at the darkness of the world so that we really understand what the light of Christmas means? Or do we simply want to drown out the troubles of our lives and of the world with bright lights and forced holiday cheer? Or, can we acknowledge both: that celebrating in the midst of a dark world is a form of resistance - an experience of God's kingdom, while still paying attention to the world that needs Emmanuel to come and be with us again.