Out of the darkness of winter, we choose to make light.

This Sunday is the winter solstice. It is the shortest, darkest day of the year. The sun rises late, sets early, and night lingers longer. So at this time of year, it’s dark when I leave for the warehouse in the morning and dark again by the time I get in my car to drive home.

When you really think about it, it does seem strange that in a...