In December, we were treated to the annual spectacle of the “War on Christmas.” In contrast, the “War on Advent” was lost long ago. In traditional Catholicism, Advent - the “Little Lent” - is a penitential season preparing the faithful for Christmas. Today, Advent in America is graced by little that reflects its penitential character. Penance is a word not used much anymore. Informally, penance is the entire complex of behaviors motivated by the need to make reparation for sin. Sin is also a word not used much anymore.