Changes

Solar symbolism was common among Christian writers of the time.<ref>Hijmans notes the "the pervasive use of the sun as metaphor for Christ in early Christian literature, in which he is often referred to as “Sol verus”, “Sol Justitiae”, etc." (Hijmans, p. 584).</ref> This symbolism was justified by the identification of Jesus as the "sun of righteousness" mentioned by the prophet Malachi.<ref>"But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall." (Malachi 4:2, ESV).</ref>

Solar symbolism was common among Christian writers of the time.<ref>Hijmans notes the "the pervasive use of the sun as metaphor for Christ in early Christian literature, in which he is often referred to as “Sol verus”, “Sol Justitiae”, etc." (Hijmans, p. 584).</ref> This symbolism was justified by the identification of Jesus as the "sun of righteousness" mentioned by the prophet Malachi.<ref>"But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall." (Malachi 4:2, ESV).</ref>

[[Augustine]] argued for a solstice date:{{cquote|Hence it is that He was born on the day which is the shortest in our earthly reckoning and from which subsequent days begin to increase in length. He, therefore, who bent low and lifted us up chose the shortest day, yet the one whence light begins to increase."<ref>Augustine, "[http://www.dec25th.info/Augustine's%20Sermon%20192.html Sermon 192]."</ref>}}

[[Augustine]] argued for a solstice date:{{cquote|Hence it is that He was born on the day which is the shortest in our earthly reckoning and from which subsequent days begin to increase in length. He, therefore, who bent low and lifted us up chose the shortest day, yet the one whence light begins to increase.<ref>Augustine, "[http://www.dec25th.info/Augustine's%20Sermon%20192.html Sermon 192]."</ref>}}

==Introduction of the feast==

==Introduction of the feast==