The word solstice, from Latin solstitium "point at which the sun seems to stand still," is formed by sol "the sun" and the past participle stem of sistere "stand still, to place, to cause to stand." The 2017 Winter Solstice in Northern Hemisphere will be at 11:28 AM on Thursday, December 21 EST. It marks the start of Winter, and as the Earth's axis tilts back towards the Sun, we have increasing daylight each day moving forward. The sun's "rebirth" at the Winter Solstice to its "decline" at the Summer Solstice is a good reminder of the continuous cycle and balance of life. Take a moment to "stand still" and to appreciate the dark, the light, and the gifts that life brings.