Summer Solstice

“It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.” Psalm 74:17.  Today is the first day of Summer, or the Summer solstice.  I could tell you about the tilt of the earth on its axis, etc., but suffice it to say it the day of the year with the longest period of daylight. After today, the daylight will diminish by 1 minute daily until fall.  Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied among cultures, but most have held a recognition of sign of the fertility, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time. The Bible commentator, Matthew Henry, explains this verse by saying, “The God of Israel is the God of nature. He that is faithful to his covenant about the day and the night, will never cast off those whom he has chosen. We have as much reason to expect affliction, as to expect night and winter. But we have no more reason to despair of the return of comfort, than to despair of day and summer. And in the world above we shall have no more changes.”  In other words, God is still in control!  That’s always good to remember, especially in this sometimes out-of-control world!!  Yes, we have to endure winter nights, but the warm, wonderful days of summer are in his plan as well! Let’s Celebrate!!