December 25th is one of Christianity's most important holy days, a commemoration of the birth some 2000 years ago of Jesus Christ, revered by Christians as the Incarnate God, the Savior, the Light of the World. From time immemorial, people have celebrated the winter Solstice, as the fading of the light gives way to the promise of nature's renewal. Celebrating the birth of Jesus near the time of the Solstice capitalized on these ancient yearnings and mid-winter observances which still are present in other communities across the world. The Chinese and a number of East Asian peoples celebrate Döngzhi. The Yalda festival is a celebration of the winter solstice in Iran, while the Japanese observe Toji. The celebrations are varied, but everywhere the spirit of cheer and optimism prevails. For Christians, what echoes through the centuries is the announcement by an Angel that first Christmas nightt of a Birth and its promise: "Peace on Earth; good will toward men."