WINDS AND WETNESS USHER IN THE WINTER SOLSTICE.....WHICH LEADS FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT..........

For those people who believe it never rains in California, we are currently being pummeled by soaking rains, that are causing flooding in many areas of the Golden State.  High winds are accompanying much of the rains, making for a very wet and cold start to Winter, and the Solistice, which takes place today, the shortest and darkest day of the year.  The Church in her wisdom during the 4th Century of Christianity, wanting to wean the pagans away from their winter yultide festival, placed the date of Christmas, the Birth of God's Son, Jesus Christ, on December 25, directly opposite Yuletide.  Coming just after the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, the darkness of the solstice is paralleled by the brightness of the Holy Birth of the Christ Child, whom Catholic-Christian Disciples believe is, the Light of the World.  This year the Winter Solstice was welcomed by a three and a half hour, total Lunar Eclipse of the Moon during the night, the first time this has happened simultaneously in December since 1638.  As the volatility of the winds and the rains, in California now five days on continue, drive defensively, and take care.  In the words of trhe Irish farewell to visitors, "Safe Journey, Shelter, and Home"..........May The Birth Of Our Savior We Are Preparing To Celebrate Anew Thisa Year Truly Be The Light Of The World,   Fr.  Troy