December 25,

by the Julian Calendar, was the winter solstice. This day, originally regarded by the pagans as the day of the nativity of the sun, the shortest day of the year - when the light began its conquering battle against darkness - was celebrated universally in all ages of man.

Taken over by the Christians as the birthday of their mythological Christ, this ancient holiday, set in motion of the celestial bodies, survives as a day of rejoicing that good will and love will have a perpetual rebirth in the minds of men - even as the sun has a symbolic re- birth yearly.