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Greetings New Hope Lutherans and Friends 

“Merry Christmas”.  Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on 25 December; a fixed date on the Christian calendar since 325 AD at the Council of Nicea.  Why 25 December? 

Around 20-26 December each year there is a “solstice”.  This means the sun appears to “stand still” for a few hours at it’s lowest yearlong appearing point on the horizon.  After the winter solstice the daylight hours lengthen until….. 

June….at whence there is another solstice.  The sun appears to stand still at it’s yearlong highest point. 

Solstices are an astronomical result of the earth spinning around the sun and axis tilting. 

Within the dark winter, diminished stored food, and impending cold…the solstice event  brought hope for spring, summer, and planting season.  Many religions observe solstice time holy days.  Some have festivals to burn “yule” logs, share food, drink, and gifts. 

The Council of Nicea wrote the Nicene Creed and picked 25 December;  Smack in the middle of the world’s peoples and religions;  All God’s children need  and deserve light, warmth, hope! 

Christians believe the Christ child brings hope and life, now and eternally.  We each bear these gifts — of God’s sustaining grace.  Merry Christmas!

Your Interim Pastor, Jeff Swanson