Dillon Community Church

From Solstice to Savior: A Christmas Journey

In the ancient world, people marked the winter solstice with festivities, celebrating the return of the sun and the promise of longer days.  Many believe that Christmas has its roots in these pagan traditions, and that this celebration evolved into a radiant symbol of hope and renewal. But, just as the sun's return signaled brighter days, Christmas today signifies the advent of God's Son, bringing light to our world.

As we reflect on the historical tapestry of Christmas, we find a profound connection between the pagan celebration of the sun's return and the Christian celebration of the Son's arrival. The solstice, once a temporal turning point, now mirrors the eternal significance of Christ's birth—the true Light returning to dispel darkness.

The history of Christmas unveils a transformative journey from pagan rituals to Christian revelation. The joy of the season transcends its origins, now grounded in the birth of Jesus. This Advent, let's marvel at the intertwining of history and faith, recognizing that just as the sun's return brings physical light, the arrival of God's Son brings spiritual illumination, guiding us through the darkest nights of our lives.

Matt Dayton, elder