Finding hope in dark times

Tomorrow, Dec. 21, is the solstice, the shortest day of the year. In BCE, Before the Common Era, and for all the centuries in our Common Era, people have celebrated the end of the year’s dark period and the beginning again of the coming of the light.

Leaders seeking followers for their new Christian religion piggybacked on the established communal gathering to herald the new light of the world, the hope for mankind, the Prince of Peace.

The Christians among us believe Jesus was born on Dec. 25. Wise men and shepherds came in honor and amazement of his birth. Here was God made flesh and come to...