I used to think that “Christmas in July” events were only commercial enterprises, destined to convince people to “shop now!” or “buy now!” But, this year, I’m embracing “Christmas in July” for what it truly can be – a reminder to kindle and care for the precious spirit of Christmas all year round, especially when the weather is the hottest and we’re not bundled up protectively against frigid winter temps.

Yes, by this time of the year, many of us are already tired of doctors’ appointments and procedures, pain and illness, and the push-pull of flares that bring us in and out of activities. We might feel that proverbial “murky middle” of time, when we are slogging through individual days and not feeling as if we’re making much progress.

Celebrating Christmas in July, however slightly, helps revive more tender feelings of comfort, light, and fellowship. Hearing a carol reminds us of the gift of the baby Jesus that is not just for the month of December, but year round.

We don’t have to buy a thing in order to stir up the flame of joy at God’s self-less gift, his Son born of Mary. All we have to do is turn to Christmas, now, for it is ever-ready, even beneath the blistering mid-summer sun.

Blessings for the day,

Maureen