Tomorrow, we celebrate the 246th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; it’s the birthday of our nation. It is a red-letter day in the history of humanity if there is such a thing. This weekend we should celebrate our nation’s birth with great joy and gratitude. Why? Because we are thankful for the sacrifice of those who have gone before us to blaze the trails and lay the foundations of what is arguably, one of the greatest nations to have ever been formed in the planet’s history. So go ahead, celebrate.

Without the founding of America, we would not enjoy the freedoms this country affords it citizens, which includes shouting your opposition to anyone or anything. And this weekend reminds believers of the true source of freedom. Our Savior. What the Son sets free, is free indeed. Remember?

Our celebration is full of gratitude for the greatness of our country, although Jesus is greater.

Our celebration is full of joy for the privilege of living in the United States, although joy in Jesus is greater.

Our celebration makes us pause in remembrance of those who gave their lives to secure our freedoms, although our freedoms through the death of Jesus are greater.

In only four years, we will celebrate 250 years as a nation. I clearly remember the hoopla surrounding the Bicentennial, and I cannot believe it’s been 46 years since those patriotic celebrations. Our liberty continues to be a blessing from God. In freedom, we shout our praise to God this morning. In freedom, we study the whole counsel of God’s Word together. In many corners of the globe there is not freedom, so that is not possible.

Carve out time to remember why we celebrate Independence Day. Remember the sacrifice of all those brave men and women who made this weekend possible. And remember the believers who pay a high price to follow Jesus. Reflect on the ways God has blessed you and make it a goal to not take the freedom we have for granted. It may not last forever. Well, it will not last forever, nothing ever does.

Enjoy spending time with the people you love, celebrating the blessing of freedom given to use in Christ. And maybe hum these lyrics by Julia Ward Howe as you do the dishes…

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea.
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free His truth is marching on.

And let us be willing both to die and to live to make men free through the power of the Gospel. Tell the story.