It seems like the build up and anticipation around Christmas gets bigger and starts earlier every year. This season has been described as, "THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR" and with good reason. Christmas is the season of hope, peace, joy and love. It's a season when lights glow, music fills the air, gifts are exchanged, and we gather with family and friends. For all these reasons and more, this is a wonderful time of year.

In the midst of the celebration there is also the reality that this season is stressful and difficult for many. It is a time when emotions run high as some battle with depression and discouragement. It's a season when financial realities feel even more strained for many, and schedules that are already overloaded are stretched to the breaking point. On top of the usual stressors for Christmas this year, they are talking about new and greater challenges like inflation, supply chain issues, shipping delays, travel complications, the pandemic and more. Throughout advent, we will take an honest look at these things and examine is this really "THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR?"