Something For Sunday
By Rev. Gerald D. Adams
It’s Christmas in July! Each year during the month of July, much ado is made about Christmas. July the seventh month of the year is a time when many families are vacationing because children are out of school. The middle of July through the middle of August lends itself naturally as a time for vacations, reunions and families coming together. Budget planning during the first six months of the year, might well include the putting aside of vacation monies.
Christmas is a time for gifting which spurs buying. Retailers want a share of these extra monies which help their bottom lines during the slow summer months. So, It’s Christmas in July. One ad says “Starts Now! Two days of feel-good deals.” Just check out Amazon’s Prime Days and the responses of Target and Walmart who wanted their fair share. Christmas in July.
It occurred to me that since Christmas is a time to celebrate the coming of the Savior there might be a message of encouragement for seekers of the truth. In his prophetic utterances, Isaiah reminds us: Isaiah 9:2;6-7 NIV
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
For us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over this kingdom, establishing and upholding it with righteousness from that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:2;6-7 NIV
At Christmas, we celebrate the coming of Christ into the world, Emmanuel, God with us. Further, he shall save his people from their sins. Since Israel’s story is every man’s story, the messianic promise would read for us: We who were walking in darkness have seen a great light. We who are living in a land of deep darkness, on us the light has dawned. For unto us was born a Savior and of the greatness of his government there will be no end.
In chapter one of the gospel of John, we are told that in Him was life and that light was the life of men. We sing it especially at Christmas, Jesus the light of the World. One choir adds, He’s shining, Jesus the hope of glory. He’s shining in our hearts.
It’s Christmas in July! Bottom line for us, God is trying to tell us something. Are we listening?
