W I N T E R T I M
E
Have you ever wondered what makes the various seasons of the
year? Perhaps you think it is the sun�s movement from north to
south. This is only because that appears to be the case from our
vantage point on earth. Nor are the seasons caused by the
differences in earth�s distance from the sun throughout the year.
These differing distances are not that great.
Actually, it is the unchanging tilt of the earth�s
axis as it travels around the sun. The earth has a 23.5 degree
tilt its rotating axis which exposes direct sunlight both north and then south
across the equator as it completes its circle around the sun. If
the earth�s axis were perpendicular to the rays of the sun, then there would be
no changing of the seasons because the sun would only shine directly down on the
equator all year long. But since the axis is tilted, different
parts of the globe are oriented towards the sun at different times of the
year.
The North Pole is always turned away from the sun as winter
begins on December 21st so that the sun�s direct rays are to the
south. This is the astronomical date of the beginning of
winter. You may wonder why that day which receives the least
sunshine is only the beginning of winter and not a midwinter day?
This is because the oceans heat up and cool down only slowly.
This delays the peak temperature drop by about a month and a half
ahead. The climatic date of winter is broader because it includes
the three most usually coldest months, December, January, and February, as being
the winter months.
In the northern hemisphere winter is recognized by its
short days and longer nights due to the sun�s rays being in the southern
hemisphere. Migration is a common effect of winter upon certain
animals and birds. Some animals �sleep� during the winter and only
come out when warm weather returns. Some fur-coated animals grow a
heavier coat during the winter. Some also change the color of
their fur to blend in with the snow.
Many annual plants never survive the winter.
But many small perennial plants profit from the insulating effects
of being buried in the snow. Larger plants, particularly deciduous
trees, usually let their upper part go dormant, but their roots are still
protected by a layer of snow.
God created the seasons with these words:
�As long as the earth endures seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,
summer and winter, day and night will never cease� (Genesis 8:22).
People�s moods may change with the passing
seasons. During the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere,
depression may set in. This is due to the lack of sunlight during
the short days and staying indoors more because of the cold weather.
In serious cases this is referred to as seasonal affective disorder
(SAD). The symptoms range from feelings of listlessness, fatigue,
increased appetite and a desire for more carbohydrates, to more serious symptoms
like difficulty focusing and concentrating, anxiety, difficulty getting out of
bed in the morning, feelings of self doubt and even suicide. These
symptoms also occur in areas where there is substantial amounts of rain that
keeps a person indoors much of the time.
The winter holidays lift one�s spirits during the short days
and long nights of winter. The most popular holiday is
Christmas on December 25th. This celebrates the
birth of Jesus some 2,000 years ago. His birth was prophesied in
the Bible hundreds of years before it happened. �For to us a child
is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his
shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace� (Isaiah 9:6). Wisemen came
from the East bringing gifts to the Christ Child. From this comes
the custom of exchanging gifts. However, most young children today
think their presents come from Santa Claus rather than their parents.
The next winter holiday is New Year�s Day.
Actually the celebration starts on New Year�s Eve, the last day of the
year. People stay up late at New Year�s Eve parties to see the New
Year in. They usually make resolutions to do better during the
coming year. But like Paul we must admit, �I am still not all I should be, but I
am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past
and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end
of the race and receive the prize� (Philippians 3:13,14).
The 21st Winter Olympics will be held on
February 12-28 in neighboring Vancouver , British
Columbia , Canada United States
Valentine�s Day is always on February
14th. It is a time to show love and appreciation to
anyone � to children and grandparents, to secretaries and managers, to students
and teachers. However, it is especially a day for
sweethearts. Valentine cards are exchanged, chocolates eaten and
roses are all given to express one�s love. �Dear children, let us
not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth� (I John 3:18).
President�s Day celebrates
both Abraham Lincoln�s and George Washington�s Birthdays on the 3rd
Monday of February. As the first president of the United States
George Washington is honored as the father of his country.
Lincoln is honored for winning the Civil
War in order to keep the United States United
States
I hope you are enjoying the winter
weather. This winter has had a lot of sunshine which has made it
pleasant. For an old man I am doing fine. My only
problem is trying to eat while my teeth are out for repair. Maybe
this way I�ll lose some weight! I trust you and your family are
doing well.
Your friend,
Tom Atkinson
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