Seeing the number of Christmas in July sales at the shops recently, I was struck by the absurdity of it all. When did Christmas in July become a thing? I don’t remember it being celebrated at all when I was a child. Upon more research, however, I discovered that the concept is older than I’d thought. Christmas in July became a national phenomenon in the U.S. in World War II, as people were encouraged to buy Christmas gifts to send to servicemen fighting in the war, a delivery that would take months.
These days, Christmas in July seems largely a marketing gimmick, growing in popularity as stores seek more reasons to have a sale. However, look a little deeper and there is more to Christmas in July than cynical opportunism. Many churches across the world also celebrate Christmas in July, or the middle of the year in general. In some countries, celebrations are held on June 25, the opposite day of the year to Christmas.
The meaning is clear for us as Christians. Hope, peace and salvation are not limited to a single day of the year. We can celebrate Christ’s birth every day! And indeed we should, because the same God who came to us as a baby boy more than 2,000 years ago comes to us each and every day by His Holy Spirit. Every time we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we become aware of His presence with us now, and look forward to His coming again at the end of the age.So, my friends, merry Christmas… in July!
James.