Independence Day (July 4th) has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. Here is some interesting trivia about Independence Day.
Did you know?
- The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777.
- John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest.
- John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
- During the summer of 1776, some colonists celebrated the birth of independence by holding mock funerals for King George III as a way of symbolizing the end of the monarchy’s hold on America.
What does Independence Day mean for Christians? We have our personal Independence Day, the day we accepted Christ as our savior and pledged our allegiance to Him. Galatians 5:1 states, “It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed]”. That yoke is sin. Luke 16:13 stands as a message to us to not allow other things to compete with our love for Christ and each other. “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand devotedly by the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon [that is, your earthly possessions or anything else you trust in and rely on instead of God].”
Galatians 5:13-14 admonishes us to remember this: You were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another. For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].”
Celebrate your Independence Day, whether to honor freedom from tyranny or freedom from the bondage of sin. God Bless America.
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