The 4th of July holiday has been set aside to recognize our nation’s signing of the Declaration of Independence. Next week we’ll celebrate our nation’s 232nd birthday. Most celebrations across the country will be very similar with parades, picnics, baseball tournaments, barbecues, and fireworks.
I learned about the significance of the holiday in school. My teachers would discuss with us the symbolism of the flag and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I haven’t given much thought to the meaning of the holiday over past years. Each year, it became lost in the bustle of planning activities for the day for my family.
In recognition of the holiday, The Write Sisters were challenged to write about independence, liberty, patriotism, freedom or other similar topics. For me, this meant a little research was is order.
The definition of independence is freedom from control or influence of another or others, or immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence.
The word liberty has several explanations of its definition. All begin with the word freedom or free: freedom from arbitrary or despotic government or control; freedom from external or foreign rule; independence; freedom from control, interference, obligation, restriction, hampering conditions, etc.; power or right of doing, thinking, speaking, etc., according to choice; free to do or be as specified.
In the Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers clearly stated the intent to remove the people living in the colonies from under the control of King George, thereby gaining our political independence. They risked their lives for liberty. Throughout our 200 year history, others have also placed their lives at risk or gave the ultimate sacrifice for those freedoms we hold dear. We should take pride in what our flag and the Declaration stands for, and the privilege of freedom we have as American citizens.
I think this holiday is an opportunity to remember another who gave all for our freedom. Jesus willingly went to the cross in punishment for our sins, so that we could live in the freedom of grace, with the promise of eternity in His presence.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Gal. 5:1
“You, my bothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Gal. 5:13
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8: 31-36
I pray each of you will have a safe, enjoyable holiday, with the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Better yet, take some time to start this day (and everyday) with Jesus first.
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