Advent and Christmas are seasons of promise, light, truth, and hope. In our world we are aware of so much darkness all around us-violence, injustice, discrimination, and suffering. Our hearts yearn for freedom, for consolation, and for peace. In the midst of all of it, we hold on to the promise that God, Emmanuel, is with us. The scripture readings of the Advent and Christmas seasons are rich with God's promises. They touch our longings and lead us to encounter God's coming, again and again, into our lives. We invite you to pray with us throughout these sacred days. Each of our six writers...