To the editor:

My heart breaks to think that modern mankind has become so far removed from nature. On Dec. 21, 2013 the Winter Solstice took place (in the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere). That day was the shortest day of the year and its night was the longest in terms of sunlight. In other words, on that day the days started getting longer – not shorter – and the nights shorter (in the Northern Hemisphere).

As a side note, not having a record of the actual birth date of Jesus, Christians (hundreds of years after his death) began celebrating his birth on the Winter Solstice because on that day the sun starts to give its light “to the world” longer every day. Jesus has been referred to as “the light of the world.” Another reason Christians chose the Winter Solstice as the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus was in an attempt to supersede the gods and rituals already being worshipped and practiced.

Erika Rick

Lehigh Acres