Mama, I Want to See God

Christmas in July

As reported in an article, “How a North Carolina Summer Camp Started Christmas in July” written by Maria Carter (7/13/17), the legend of Christmas in July began in 1933 at the Keystone Summer Camp for girls, located at Brevard, N. C. Two days, July 24 and 25, were dedicated to this special celebration. Original decorations included fake snow, ornamented trees, gift exchanges, carolers, and Santa, of course. https://www.countryliving.com/ life/a43909/how-christmas-in-july-started The origins of the phrase commenced with an 1892 French opera based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s “The Sorrows of Young Werther.” Festivities for Christmas in July was not intended as a ploy to boost retailer and/or greeting card manufacturers. Last year, my daughter and I celebrated Christmas in July by exchanging a small homemade or inexpensive gift and watching a Christmas movie. For me, celebrating Christmas in July was joy at its most simplistic form. Scripture says, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full,” (John 15:11). Overall, receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior becomes the greatest gift of all, (John 4:39). www.vanessafortenberry.com