by Pastor Douglas Brauner

A Reason to Celebrate

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 English Standard Version

I bought a new lens for one of my cameras. I can find any reason to buy new camera gear. Am I alive today? That’s a good reason to buy film! I made a journey to one of my favorite places to evaluate this lens, Black Forest Regional Park just north of where I live. As is often the case, I was the only person on the trails.

I assessed the lens’ ability to create a star pattern in the sun. I was happy to note that this lens passed the test. What I was not expecting was a star on top of a Christmas tree (only a little bit bigger and more majestic than my artificial tree).

I have heard that people have a mini-Christmas celebration in July, taking out their Christmas tree, decorating it, and giving gifts. Churches sing Christmas carols in July. This tradition started at a camp in North Carolina in 1933. Even the Hallmark Channel has Christmas movies coming out in July.

Why celebrate Christmas in July?

For the children of God, every day is Christmas because of Jesus. Every day we share in the presence of God as we enjoy his presents. Christmas is about the amazing love that God has for us when he sent Jesus into our human flesh, a baby born to save humans. A baby born to save you and me.

For me, it is too much work to take out the Christmas tree and decorate it, though getting together with family and friends is always a good thing. Maybe it would be good to sing a Christmas carol or two in July. “Joy to the world, the Lord has come…”

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado