St. Sylvester- 31 December

 Since ancient times, Christians have been uncertain about how to approach the pagan New Year's Eve from the Roman calendar. One response was to designate the last day of December as the feast of St. Sylvester. In Germany, this was sometimes a big celebration. Among Anglicans, it has been a minor commemoration, listed as a "black letter day" in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. 

Sylvester was Bishop of Rome from 314 to 335 A.D. He became Bishop right after the Emperor Constantine issued his Edict of Toleration for Christianity, and Sylvester served during a time of great change for the Church. He sent legates or representatives to the Council of Nicea in what is now Turkey in 325. Of course, this council, which became known as the First Ecumenical Council, defended the reality of the Incarnation against the Arian Heresy. The response became known as the Nicene Creed. 

Many later legends about Sylvester are doubtful, but the verified facts indicate that Sylvester was a faithful bishop who strove to defend the orthodox Faith.  His faithfulness remains an example for Christians across the centuries. So, as we Christians mark the change in the secular calendar, let us be cautious and reflective. We may give thanks for the old year and toast the opportunities of the new, but we must look beyond such matters and focus on the divine light and truth incarnate in Jesus Christ. In the words of John 1:4-5,  "In [Jesus Christ] was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."