WHAT YOU’RE ASKING

What is Daylight Saving Time?

It’s the stretch of the year where we shift one hour of sunlight from the early morning to the evening during the warmer months, to better align waking hours with natural daylight.

Starting the second Sunday in March, we “spring forward” and time skips an hour at 2 a.m., as in, one moment you’ll look at your phone and it says 1:59 and two minutes later it’ll say 3:01.

DST ends on the first Sunday in November when we “fall back” an hour, also at 2 a.m., and enter standard time (expect your phone to show 1:59 and, two minutes later, 1:01).

Wait, 2 a.m.?
Did you think it was midnight? So did we…

Sunday at 2 a.m. was chosen as the switching hour in 1918 because no passenger trains departed New York City then. Even though it’s less about disrupting rail passengers now, it’s still a time when most people (unless you’re a super night owl… like Kathleen) are home in bed, most businesses and restaurants are already closed, and early shift workers aren’t headed in yet.

Why do we have Daylight Saving Time?
Germany was the first country to try it in 1916 to conserve fuel during WWI. But the idea was likely inspired by a Brit with a more wholesome pitch: Sunshine is pretty, and we should enjoy it.

In 1907, William Willett published a pamphlet called The Waste of Daylight, lobbying Parliament for the change until his death. Britain adopted the law shortly after Germany, a year too late for ol’ William to see, sadly.

The U.S. followed with the Standard Time Act of 1918, which also established America’s time zones.

So, it wasn’t for the farmers?
Nope. They actually lobbied against it because it meant one less hour for their cows and crops in the morning.

Pause, I thought it was Daylight Savings Time?
*Insert buzzer noise.* (We thought so too.)

It’s technically “saving,” but so many people add the S that Merriam-Webster accepts it as a variation (proof). Take that, Grammar Police.

Does everyone in the U.S. do this?
Nope. Hawaii, most of Arizona, and the five U.S. territories stay on standard time year-round.

Nineteen states have legislation favoring year-round DST, but it’d only go into effect if Congress changed federal law (see if yours is one).

Isn’t Congress trying to get rid of DST?
No. They’re trying to end standard time (the stretch we’re entering tomorrow).

The Sunshine Protection Act passed the House 308-117 on July 14, and it’s been sitting in the Senate since. The bill would “lock the clock” after we spring forward in March. Supporters make a Willett-style argument: More evening sunlight means people are more active and could mean fewer crimes and traffic accidents. Critics say kids would head to school in the dark, and medical groups say standard time better fits our circadian rhythms.

Plus, we’ve tried this before.

During the 1973–74 energy crisis, Congress put most of the country on full-time DST. The public grew concerned over children being fatally struck by vehicles while on their way to school in the dark, and Congress repealed the change later the same year.

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BE DOERS
Believers don’t need the sun to be a light. Jesus calls us to live differently in the world, shining the light of hope to all those around us. How can you be a light to the people in your life today?

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WHAT YOU’LL ENJOY

Solving this week’s mini crossword—a weekly fave!

Whipped Cream on Top: Can you tell they’re twins?...

Using the Bible to learn to type. Created by TPO readers Josh and Izzy W., Type the Word helps Christian schools and homeschool families replace generic typing lessons with Scripture-based practice. But you don't have to be a student to join in! Their free Passage of the Day lets you type Scripture alongside other believers, with a daily devotional to help you reflect on what you've typed. Type today’s passage!*

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WHAT YOU’VE BEAN CLICKING…

Our Midterm Guide—it may be a new clock, but Election Day hasn’t moved. It’s still Tuesday, and lots of you have been checking what’ll be on your ballot with our Midterm Guide. Check your state here.

Top News Link: Pictures of the spires at Arizona’s Chiricahua National Monument, which just became America’s first new national park in six years.

Top Christian Perspective: A reminder of who ultimately holds us fast. Download and save it here.

Top Whipped Cream: A new LEGO challenge…

WHAT WE’RE RECOMMENDING

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WHAT WE’RE PRAYING

Prayer “For Living Counterculturally” from TPO’s book Praying the News

Father in Heaven, Your upside-down kingdom of self-sacrifice and weakness is foolishness to the world. But to us, it is wisdom and life. When we are angered by the world’s foolishness, grow our compassion; when we feel threatened by its hatred, strengthen and encourage us. When the world seeks to slowly neutralize Christ’s aroma, rub off on us the sweet smell of Your Spirit.

As we engage with our neighbors and our culture, equip us to be faithful ambassadors of Your kingdom, bringing Your culture of hope and customs of love to the broken, lost places in our earthly outposts. Train us to celebrate the good in our communities and to cultivate flourishing in all places of our exile so that we may bless the world You love. Amen.

LEARN WITH US

Each week, we do the deep shallow dive so that you don’t have to. We bring what we learn not only to this email, but we sit down and talk about it, too. Check out this week’s episode of TPO Explains... just click on the episode below.