Christmas in July reminds us faith belongs in every season

Published 2:34 pm Monday, October 5, 2026

A couple of months ago, Blair celebrated Christmas in July at Steyer Park. The event offered an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and consider why its message matters throughout the year.

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, who came into our world and experienced everyday life. He worked, listened to his earthly parents and lived through his teenage years and his 20s. In his early 30s, he became a teacher whose message changed lives. Then, through his death on the cross, he changed the world.

We especially enjoy celebrating his birth. The manger, star, shepherds and wise men are part of a story we share with others. We unpack nativity sets and other decorations and display them in our homes, churches and businesses.

Once the holiday ends, we pack those decorations back into totes. Sometimes, we treat our faith the same way, setting it aside until another holiday or a crisis brings us back to Jesus.

Christmas in July offers a reminder that our relationship with Christ belongs in every season. Away from the holiday rush, we can set aside the commercialization, stress and distractions to focus on his coming into the world.

It also reminds us that Jesus came for each of us. He entered the mess of everyday life to save and dwell with ordinary people and sinners — all of us. His presence was never intended to be reserved for people whose lives were already in order.

The Christmas story also reveals God’s care for people on the margins. Mary and Joseph faced uncertainty, and shepherds were among the first to receive the news of Jesus’ birth. The announcement reached people who were far from positions of wealth or power.

There is another message in the contrast between the lack of room for Jesus at his birth and the welcome he offers others. Though there was no room at the inn, he promises room in his Father’s house for those who trust in him.

These reminders challenge us to examine how we practice our faith. Do we maintain a daily relationship with Jesus, or do we treat him as a holiday guest whose place in our lives ends when the decorations come down?

Our need for Christ continues throughout the year. We need his presence and guidance during ordinary days as well as celebrations and emergencies.

Christmas in July can help us remember that Jesus is always with us. We can think of him every day and keep in touch through a simple prayer. No internet connection is required.

God loves you, whatever the season.