It's Time To Celebrate!
Posted by Martha Wilson, June 26, 2024
Light up the grill! Crank up the ice cream freezer! Chill the melon!
Wave the flag and light up the night skies! Throw the confetti and sing the songs!
It’s time to celebrate!
This week our country celebrates the birth of American Independence. Our founding fathers and many after them gave their lives for this day. Did you know that John Adams made this a day of celebration?
“John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 ‘will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival and that the celebration should include ‘Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.’ Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on, the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.” (History.com)
If you don’t already know it is time to celebrate our freedom, I encourage you to visit your local Hobby Lobby store. Upon entering the store, the first display you encounter is always the current season or holiday being celebrated. This week, it is all things Red, White, and Blue! You can purchase anything you need to celebrate freedom. (Minus the fireworks and food!) You will find multiple designs of flag paper plates and matching napkins to help you enjoy your grilled hotdog. Banners and confetti, toys and trinkets, and every other decoration you can imagine are available for your July 4th party.
As I made my way further into the store, I couldn’t help but notice the fall flowers climbing around the July 4th aisle. Pumpkins of every color led me into a winter wonderland of Christmas trees, angels, and ornaments.
But, wait a minute! Can we pause and stand in the midst of the July 4th aisle and have a party before we pull out the pumpkins?
As an American, I pause in sincere reflection to celebrate the many freedoms I continue to enjoy as a citizen of this great nation, knowing that one day, these freedoms may be non-existent.
As a Christian, I celebrate a much greater freedom that cannot be taken away. It cannot be purchased or bargained for. No, this freedom was purchased by the lifeblood of my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is freedom to be remembered and celebrated with every breath of my being.
The Bible predicted and now trumpets the good news message of freedom.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)
“So if the Son liberates you [makes you free], then you are really and unquestionably free.” (John 8:36 AMPC)
“For in Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)
Now that is something to celebrate—being free from sin and death.
Once, I was bound, imprisoned, and enslaved to sin, but Jesus set me free. I am set free to live a life of freedom. My life should always display Freedom in Christ—not on occasion but every waking moment.
If you have not experienced this freedom found in relationship with Jesus, I would love to have a conversation with you. Please feel free to contact me, and I will share how you can be truly free. (Martha@touchinghearts.tv)
And if you know Jesus, but have given up your freedom, it is still yours. Pause and remember what He did for you on the cross. Take up the banner of Freedom and don’t be enslaved to sin any longer.
Reflect and Remember! Wave the flag of freedom! Taste and see that He is good!
It’s time to celebrate!
Martha Wilson is a writer, speaker, blogger and co-host of A Burst of Hope weekly podcast. She is the founder and director of Touching Hearts Ministries for women. She has led women to pursue an intimate relationship with Jesus for most of her adult life. She is bold, tender, and transparent as she teaches women to embrace powerful Biblical truths. Martha and her husband, Ed, live in Fayetteville, Georgia, and enjoy their blended family of five children, eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. You can connect with Martha at: Facebook and Instagram @TouchingHeartsMinistries or listen to the A Burst of Hope Podcast.