My husband and I married on July 3, many years ago. We spent the first night of our honeymoon at the motorcycle races (sad, right?), then watched a brilliant fireworks display the next night on the Fourth.
The Fourth of July has always been special to me because it’s the day after my anniversary and because I love fireworks. But there was a time when that was all the significance it held for me—just another holiday.
For many others, it’s the same … just another holiday, like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and even Easter. We love a long weekend or an extra day off work but forget what we celebrate.
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, announcing the political separation of the thirteen North American colonies from Great Britain and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. This special holiday celebrates freedom.
But there is a greater freedom we should celebrate every single day—freedom from death, hell, and the grave—freedom that Jesus purchased with His shed blood over two thousand years ago. This is the greatest form of freedom a child of God can ever experience.
So, today, we celebrate our freedom as a nation. Go out and enjoy those fireworks. But don’t forget to celebrate your freedom in Christ.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and JillWellington.)
Andrea Merrell is an award-winning author and professional freelance editor. She is an associate editor with Christian Devotions Ministries and former associate editor with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Iron Stream Media. Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript: Writing and Editing Tips to Keep Your Book Out of the Editorial Graveyard, Praying for the Prodigal, and Marriage: Make It or Break It. She has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues and teaches workshops on writing and editing. You’re invited to subscribe to her weekly devotions at www.AndreaMerrell.com or visit www.TheWriteEditing.com, a blog designed specifically for writers and editors.