I had to find out what the Gregorian calendar is. Well, we all use the universal calendar set in place in 1582.
The first shopping July I encountered shelves packed with Christmas items in a popular home goods chain, I groaned. And chose to bypass those displays.
Then, somewhere along the line, Christmas stories in July popped up. I learned to like the idea. My body dislikes July weather in Nebraska. But I cherish the hours I’m taken away to cold scenarios as I immerse myself in the snowy settings of novels.
Have you ever researched Christmas in July? “It” is a thing. Movies, parities, festivals, books, and book deals. Gotta love it. I encourage you to celebrate not only our country’s freedom in July, but pick up and read a book. Any Christmas story (or stories) your heart desires. The greatest Christmas story is in the Bible.
But if you enjoy fiction, I have nine Christmas romances included here: https://www.amazon.com/LoRee-Peery/e/B004UAGL2W
Soon, I will have a trilogy of stories published that are set in Garland, Nebraska. Christmas House released in 2022, still to come are Christmas in Garland, and Christmas Fulfilled.
In Christmas House, Pepper filled her first home with Christmas. She learned the true meaning of the holiday, and fell in love with Foxx. As a child of God, she went on to host Thanksgiving for her family and friends surrounded by Christmas joy. She wished to be surrounded by Christmas all year long because she missed out as a child. The verse I chose for the story is Jeremiah 1:5. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Have you ever imagined, across the generations, how many Christmases have passed since the first one when Jesus came as a Baby?
As children of God, who have a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus, every single one of us should seek to carry Christmas in our hearts. Not only in July, but for three hundred and sixty-five days of the year.
On a personal note, my favorite number is forty-nine. My dear Bill and I celebrate forty-nine years of marriage this July. Though we’ve had tough times, blessings far outweigh the dark times.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas in July.