Christmas in July

As a kid, one of my favorite theme weeks of summer camp was when my best friend and I shared Christmas in July. On the first day of the week, my cabinmates each picked a secret angel, and by chance, I chose my friend. I fairly burst with excitement planning a Christmas gift for her. Keeping it secret gloriously delighted my soul.

Each night, we filled the dining hall with cheerful Christmas songs strummed on acoustic guitars. Afterward, we received miniature peppermint candy canes, tinfoil-wrapped chocolates, or a decorated Christmas cookie.

On the final night, I handed her a simple paper bag. Inside was a pinecone I had carefully laden with Elmer’s glue, sprinkled with multi-colored glitter, and tied with a shiny ribbon at the top for hanging. I’ll never forget the bright smile on her face when she learned I had been her secret angel.

Do you remember going to summer camp? When we slept on a rumpled bunk bed in a rustic screened-in cabin, woke early to a breathy bugle call, rode horseback on a dusty and worn trail, or won a blue ribbon for the best swimmer of the week?

God kept a secret waiting for us in the past. Perhaps Paul records a little taste of God’s feelings when He chose us long ago.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

~Ephesians 1:4-5 NIV

Think of God’s pleasure and love when He chose us. He waited with mounting anticipation when He created us and then designed and timed the perfect set of circumstances to gift us with eternal life through His Son. What joy we brought to Him when we said, “Yes.”

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

~Romans 8:32 NIV

Today, we may need something God is ready to fill through His Son, Jesus, our provider.

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

~Romans 8:33-34 NIV

Jesus’ coming at Christmas brings us joy, and His death and resurrection complete His mission. Additionally, in Him, we stand secure and are pronounced “not guilty.” Who can condemn us? No one. Not one. Jesus is our advocate.

Think of something you might need to let go of in exchange for opening your heart to receive Jesus. If you know Him, think of a need you might ask Him for.

Father, I accept the revelation of Your Son’s perfect gift, Jesus. Help me remember today the gift God has powerfully given me in You: salvation and freedom from shame. Therefore, Lord, help me come to You in the assurance of Your Spirit, knowing Jesus is calling out in secret confidence to the Father on my behalf. Amen.