“When you sing Christmas in July, you rush the season.”
In an 1892 French opera, a character named Werther said this line in response to a group of children rehearsing a Christmas song in July. It is probably the earliest known reference to Christmas in July.
In 1935, the National Recreation Association’s journal “Recreation” refers to it again about an event at a girl’s camp, saying “all mystery and wonder surround this annual event.” The phrase likely gained popularity with the comedy “Christmas in July,” released in 1940. In that film, a man believes he has won $25,000 in an advertising slogan contest and buys gifts for his family and friends with the expected cash.
In 1942, Calvary Baptist Church in Washington DC celebrated Christmas in July with carols. The pastor repeated the event the following year and asked all to bring Christmas gifts to be delivered in ample time to missions worldwide. This practice spread to other churches, and today has become a welcomed summertime event.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plainview will celebrate Christmas in July this coming Sunday, July 17th, at our 10:15 AM worship service. In addition to singing some popular Christmas carols, we will collect unwrapped children’s games and toys.
We are delighted to have the U.S. Marine Reserve Corps “Toys for Tots” program participate in this endeavor. Last year, the locally based unit in Garden City distributed 223,889 toys and supported over 90,000 children. Please help us kick off the 2022 collection drive for “Toys for Tots.”
Collection boxes are now placed within the church narthex, where gifts may be deposited. Besides Sunday’s 10:15 AM worship service, you may bring your donations to that morning’s 8:00 AM outdoor (weather permitting) worship service of the 6:00 PM Responsive Prayer gathering.
Christmas Blessings,
Pastor Marc
