MONDAY IN HISTORY

Today is Monday, Dec. 25, the 359th day of 2017. There are six days left in the year. This is Christmas Day.

Highlight in History:

On Dec. 25, 1776, Gen. George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River for a surprise attack against Hessian forces at Trenton, N.J., during the American Revolutionary War.

On this date:

In A.D. 336, the first known commemoration of Christmas on Dec. 25 took place in Rome.

In 1066, William the Conqueror was crowned King of England.

In 1818, “Silent Night (Stille Nacht)” was publicly performedforthefirsttimeduring the Christmas Midnight Mass at theChurchof St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria.

In 1926, Hirohito became emperor of Japan, succeeding his father, EmperorYoshihito.

In 1961, Pope John XXIII formally announced the upcoming convocation of the Second Vatican Council, which opened in Oct. 1962.

In 1991, Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev went on television to announce his resignation as the eighth and final leader of a communist superpower that had already gone out of existence.

Ten years ago: Russia’s military successfully test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads.

Five years ago: In his Christmas message to the world, Pope Benedict XVI called for an end to the slaughter in Syria and for more meaningful negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, while encouraging more religious freedom under China’s new leaders.

One year ago: Decrying the suffering in Syria, Pope Francis wished Christmas peace and hope for all those scarred by war and terrorism, which he said was sowing “fear anddeath in theheart of many countries and cities.”

Today’s Birthdays: Actor Dick Miller is 89. Singer Jimmy Buffett is 71. Pro and College Football Hall-ofFamer Larry Csonka is 71. Actress Sissy Spacek is 68. Former White House adviser Karl Rove is 67. Singer Annie Lennox is 63. Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson is 59. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is 46. Singer Dido is 46. Rhythm-andblues singer Ryan Shaw is 37. Country singer Alecia Elliott is 35. Pop singers Jess and Lisa Origliasso are 33.

Thought for Today: “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you ... yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.” — Saint Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997).