INSPIRASUNS

Yes, today marks the winter solstice. What’s this you ask? Well if you want the technical definition the winter solstice, also called the hibernal solstice, occurs when either of the Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. This happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere. This scientific occurrence will happen at officially 4:27pm eastern time today.

For most of us though, winter solstice means today is the first day of winter. Yes, I know, sounds cold right?! And…given that there is a major snowstorm/blizzard and record cold front making its way across the country this weekend, just in time for Christmas, I’d say winter is coming in with all the bells and whistles!

So, those of you who know me well know that I am totally NOT a winter fan. Summer is my season, totally, so why do I sound so excited about this winter solstice thingy? Very simply, the occurrence of the solstice means today is the shortest day of the year and of course the longest night of the year. Only about nine hours of daylight today 😦 . Don’t fret my summer friends, this also means that starting tomorrow the days begin to get longer! It’s totally a mental thing, can’t you feel the anticipation of the days lengthening, the sun setting later, you know like after you get home from work?!

As I was thinking about the topic for this little blog, I thought about how interesting it is that Christmas falls so close to the winter solstice. It made me ponder which came first, solstice or Jesus, hmmmm… we’ll leave that for another day. Anyway, think about that first Christmas, the anticipation, the joy, the hope for our world.

Every year we begin that final countdown to the celebration of the birth of our Lord, with the longest night of the year, and the most darkness of the year. Then just a few evenings later the light comes through and the child is born. Maybe I’m stretching things a bit this morning, and maybe I’ve totally missed this coincidence before, but not this year. I think Father pointed it out to me for a reason, to just share my thoughts with you I guess.

Well, as you begin winter solstice today, first, bundle up, looks like the weather is coming. Then take a moment to give thanks for the long evening knowing that, tomorrow brings a new start to longer days and more light.

Happy Winter Solstice my friends 🙂

2 Corinthians 2:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.