Today is December 21, and is the official start of winter, and the day when the winter solstice occurs. The winter solistice is an astronomical event where the sun is at its lowest point relative to the earth, and in the northern hemisphere, the day of the winter solistice is the shortest day/longest night. This event marks the beginning of winter.
Around the world, cultures observe and celebrate the winter solstice, and give thanks for the year that is ending, with various rituals and celebrations, some of which are considered pagan. In our Christian culture, the winter solstice is celebrated by observing the birth of Christ. What better and more fitting way to give honor to God, than by worshipping and celebrating the birth of the one who created the winter solstice. The winter solstice is God's ongoing promise to us that the seasons will never end. As long as the earth remains, we will always have spring, summer, autumn, and winter. "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." (Genesis 8:22).
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The winter solstice also marks the end of the gradual lengthening of the night, which began after the autumnal equinox in September, and the beginning of the shortening of the night, which will end in the spring equinox in March.
Therefore after the winter solstice, nights will get shorter and shorter, and daylight longer and longer, until they are both equal. Equal day and night will occur in vernal equinox of spring. The winter solstice gives us hope of a brighter tomorrow, and helps us look forward to spring, when all things are renewed.
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