But what if all is not joyful? While we observe Advent, the world around us tells us to be joyful as we shop and clean and fill up our calendars. But all around us are also those who carry heavy burdens of grief, depression, loss, and financial worries. The holidays make these problems even more pressing. Homecomings, whether they are to church or to family households, can be filled with expectation and met with disappointment.