I stood mesmerized by the flame that flickered and cast shadows on the walls of our kitchen. My family was gathered around the table and dinner was about to begin. I didn’t know, what I didn’t know. It wasn’t until I was an adult I discovered that I was searching for hope. 

On this particular day, we were celebrating the first Sunday of Advent. My dad lit a purple candle that filled one indentation in the wreath adorned with plastic greenery. He read a prayer out loud in solemn tones....