For Tuesday, July 25th, 2023

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

TUESDAY, JULY 25TH, 2023

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks,  and boring grays of your every day.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

63 DAYS UNTIL FALL

In Ohio

 Sunrise:   6;16 am

   Sunset:  8:52  

pm

  

 

Life is a special   

occasion!

Hallmark!

Today is  Christmas in July, also known as Christmas in Summer .  It is a second Christmas celebration held during the month of July on the Gregorian calendar.  It is centered around Christmas themed activities, entertainment, and shopping. Christmas celebrations typical accommodate those living in the Southern Hemisphere, in which they undergo annual winter.  The main goal of Christmas in July is getting the public in the Christmas spirit during the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere.

The origins of this holiday are unknown but in 1905, the National Recreation Association described Christmas in July as a girls camp in Bevard, North Carolina, writing that all mystery and wonder surround the annual event.

The term was given national attention with the release of the Holywood movie comedy, Christmas in July, in 1940.  In the story a man is fooled into believing he has won $25,000 in an advertising slogan contest.  He buys presents for family, friends and neighbors and proposes marriage to his girlfriend.

In 1942 the Calvary Baptist Church in Washington D.C., celebrated in July with carols and the sermon, Christmas Presents in July. They repeated it in 1943 with a Christmas tree covered with donations.  The pastor explains that special service was patterned after a program held each summer at his former church in Philadelphia, when the congregation would present Christmas gifts, early to give ample time for their distribution to missions worldwide.  It became an annual event and in 1945, the service began to be broadcast over local radio.

The U.S. Post Office and the U.S. Army and Navy officials in conjunction with the advertising and greeting card industries, threw a Christmas in July luncheon in New Your in 1944 to promote early Christmas mailing campaign for service men over seas during WWII. The luncheon was repeated in 1945. 

American advertisers began using Christmas in July themes for summertime sales as early as 1950, in the U. S.  It is more often used as a marketing tool than an actual holiday.  Television stations may choose to rerun Christmas specials and many stores have Christmas in July sales.  Some individuals choose to celebrate Christmas in July themselves, typically it is an intentional transparent excuse to have a party.  This is in part because most bargainers tend to sell Christmas goods around Christmas July to make room for the next year’s inventory.

July has a limited number of marketing opportunities.  For example there are no national holidays between the first week of  July and Labor day in September The month of June 25th, is 6 months before Christmas officially comes. It is an unofficial holiday that some promote. 

To celebrate today, wish your friends and family a Merry Christmas in July!

If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY 

It’s never too early to start celebrating the magic of Christmas!

Author Unknown

The best Christmas in July celebration I ever attended was when we were camping as a family several years ago.  The campground had Santa riding around in a golf cart wearing a Hawaiian shirt and everyone decorated their campers with Christmas lights. They gave a party with treats and a visit with Santa.  My DIL shredded pepper to throw in the air which looked like snowflakes and snow when it fell on the ground. 

This month is when I usually start painting gifts for Christmas, and the pictures today are of some of the ideas I found to paint in previous years. 

It would be easier for all if we celebrated Christmas in July.  There would be no snow covered roads to travel and freezing weather to put up with.  

I’ve been watching a lot of Christmas movies on TV.  They make you feel cooler when it’s hot out.  Usually Christmas is a snowy and cold season.   BrrChill!  Merry Christmas in July! 

I hope you all have a have a TERRIFIC Tuesday !

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS 

In the middle of summer, let’s sprinkle a little bit of Christmas cheer!

Author Unknown

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

11,509. for a good reason to party!

11,510 for friends and family to celebrate with 

11,511. for summer in all it’s glory

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters and EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Let’s deck the halls in July and fill our hearts with Christmas joy!

Author Unknown 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma