 The burn occurred exactly on time . The spacecraft telemetry was reacquired as it re @-@ emerged from behind the Moon at 89 hours , 28 minutes , and 39 seconds , the exact time calculated . When voice contact was regained , Lovell announced , " Please be informed , there is a Santa Claus " , to which Ken Mattingly , the current CAPCOM , replied , " That 's affirmative , you are the best ones to know . " The spacecraft began its journey back to Earth on December 25 , Christmas Day . 
