Today @ 05:19 is the winter solstice
- The Winter Solstice occurs exactly when the Earth\’s axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26\’. Though the Winter Solstice lasts only an instant in time, the term is also colloquially used as Midwinter or contrastingly the first day of winter to refer to the day on which it occurs. More evident to those in high latitudes, this occurs on the shortest day, and longest night, and the sun\’s daily maximum position in the sky is the lowest.
- Solstices are opposite on either side of the equator, so the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere is the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere and vice versa.
- The dates of maximum tilt of the Earth\’s equator to the sun correspond to the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and to the summer Solstice in the southern hemisphere. It is also a day when the sun is furthermost south so the daylight hours in the northern hemisphere are the shortest.
- The opposite occurs in the Southern hemisphere. The winter solstice marks the first day of the winter season. It is the day of the longest night and the shortest day. That which is physically visible represents an even more real spiritual circumstance. While others may be partying during this season, for some people are going through the darkest stretch of their lives. You may be one of them, or your family, church or nation may be in this dark stretch. Pray that you will learn from the process.
- The seasonal significance of the Winter Solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days.
- Declare that even the darkness cannot hide anything before the Lord. Wherever the enemy is using this season of greater darkness to carry out his evil campaign, pray that each of those situations will be light about you, and about all that is yours. (Psalm 139:7, John 1:1-5).