Stars and stripes start appearing weeks before—in the stores, in the city streets, on the doors and in the yards of our homes. By the time we reach the day, even Google has a doodle for it.
Independence Day in the United States is the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a courageous act by the Founding Fathers, an act which sent the fledgling States into war with England.
Every year, we celebrate what the Declaration meant and means —freedoms and rights which are worth celebrating.
Every year, we celebrate what that Declaration meant and means —freedoms and rights which are worth celebrating. We celebrate in so many different ways, with towns and cities showing their patriotism with flags and parades and rodeos, and many happy faces.
Halfway up the west coast of America, the members of Brunstad Christian Church are sharing the day in Salem, Oregon. The holiday is a good opportunity to picnic and barbecue together, talk with friends, and play some volleyball. The picnic is an annual highlight, and the children are excited for the games and the cotton candy—and especially the fireworks display that will light up the sky after dark.
This year, there’s also a pie auction, with lots of laughter as the bids rise higher and higher, with even husbands and wives bidding against each other to walk home with the famous baked goods.
We know who to thank for the blessing that makes it so good to be together, and we take time to thank God for what He has given us. We are reminded of the great freedom we enjoy in this country and encouraged us to take time to be thankful for it!
Take time to thank God for what He has given us!
We have good reason to thank God for each other, for the work His word does in us making it so good to be together, and for the freedom to worship together and share His word and encouragement so freely with each other! My thoughts on this day are best captured in a favorite national song by Katharine Lee Bates:
America, America! God shed His grace on thee!
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!
America, America! God shed His grace on thee!