Today is the first Weekend Wisdom of Advent. As we anticipate the birth of Jesus, the retail outlets are anticipating a season of high sales and good cheer.

Instead of regurgitating the same old cud about the commercialization of Christmas, listen to this perspective from Rice’s Spiritual Memoirs, Called Out of Darkness:

When people rail now against the commercial nature of Christmas, I’m always conflicted and unable to respond. Because I think those who would banish commercialism from the holiday fail to understand how precious and comforting the shop displays and music can be.