Happy Christmas in July!
Christmas in July Reflections: Yes, indeed it is that time of year again; Christmas in July! When was Jesus actually born? We are unsure of the exact date, when Jesus was born. December 25th is the Feast Day within the Church Year Calendar, when we celebrate Christmas. We celebrate Christmas on December 25th, because the Roman Emperor Constantine and Pope Julius I wanted the Nativity of Jesus to be celebrated on the same day as the Winter Solstice, which was originally celebrated on December 25th. Emperor Constantine, even though he converted to Christianity or at least claimed to be a Christian (there is some debate over his religious beliefs), wanted a politically united Roman Empire. Pope Julius I wanted Christmas to prove Christianity's superiority over Greek and Roman Paganism and the holy father wanted the Christmas celebration to overshadow the Winter Solstice. So what's up with Christmas in July? Why do people celebrate Christmas in July? It's not just an excuse to boost summer sales. Christmas in July is mostly another time of year to celebrate the Virgin Birth of Jesus and to show appreciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is the Mother of God. The Blessed Virgin Mary is not the Mother of Yahweh and she is not the Mother of the Holy Spirit, but she is the Mother of Jesus the Messiah, Who is equally God with Father Yahweh and the Holy Spirit. Jesus could have been born in March, April, July, December, or any month really. The date is only import for historical research, but it is not important theologically. The Doctrine of the Virgin Birth is vitally important and it literally did happen. Mary was a virgin, when she bore Jesus. There is joy in Jesus coming to earth in the womb of a Jewish peasant girl called Mary, because it shows Jesus' Humility and His Desire save all people from death, Hell, Satan, Satan's demons, Original Sin from Adam and Eve, and our own personal sins. Jesus was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary for you, He died to save you, and He resurrected from the dead, so our Faith would not be in vain.
Let's look at Matthew Chapter 1:18-25:
"18 Now the Birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His Mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for That, Which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His Name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.' 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, '23 Behold, a virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, 'God with us.'' 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did, as the angel of the LORD had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not, till she had brought forth her Firstborn Son: and he called His Name Jesus" (KJV 1611).
July Book Signing: I will be signing copies of my Christian romance novels The Rising of The Moon Book 1: Changing Tides Part 1 and The Rising of The Moon Book 1: Changing Tides Part 2 and my Greek and Roman Mythology book A Survey of Classical Mythology on Saturday July 13, 2019 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Eastgate Hallmark Store in Lima, Ohio.
August Book Signing: I will be signing copies of of my Christian romance novels The Rising of The Moon Book 1: Changing Tides Part 1 and The Rising of The Moon Book 1: Changing Tides Part 2 and my Greek and Roman Mythology book A Survey of Classical Mythology on Saturday August 3, 2019 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Jen's Furniture and Collectibles on High Street in between Circle K Gas Station and Zion Lutheran Church (NALC) in St. Marys, Ohio.
Other Stores: My books are also available at the following stores: Brunner News Agency on Flanders Avenue in Lima, Ohio, the Hallmark Store on Elm Street in Lima, Ohio, Wagner's IGA Grocery Store in Minster, Ohio, and of course in the Shop section of this website.
Thank you!
James W. O'Flannery, President and Founders of Ohio Irish Lutheran Press (OIL Press)