Independence Day!

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 ESV).

The fireworks display as seen from the Trinity River looking toward downtown Ft. Worth, Texas, is always spectacular. It is one of the many ways we celebrate our freedom. Today is that day. It was 243 years ago when the Founding Fathers declared the 13 colonies would be known as the United States of America. We know the British did not initially agree, and though six years of fighting their soon-to-be former colonists did not persuade them those colonists had the right to leave the British Empire, it did convince them it wasn’t worth the fight. And so the United States was born. As such, we annually celebrate in the most American ways possible: colorful explosions, baseball games, large portions of food cooked over a backyard’s open flame, “salads” made with lots of mayonnaise, parades and shopping. While the 4th of July is known for its extreme patriotism, it is not known as much of a spending holiday, mainly because most people don’t exchange gifts for it. And yet, Americans find ways to spend during any season of celebration, and America’s birthday has some staggering numbers all of its own. Did you know that $6.8 billion will be spent stocking up for BBQs. The bulk of this cost comes in the purchase of 700 million pounds of chicken for the grill. Red meat and pork come in at a distant second with 190 pounds purchased. And, we will spend another $750 million for the fireworks detonated by everyday pyrotechnic enthusiasts in their backyards. That amounts to 200 million pounds of gunpowder detonated. Nearly 25 percent of Americans will set off fireworks at home, and about 12,000 of those will find themselves in an emergency room this holiday season. It is also interesting that just a mere 12% of the population will actually attend a parade celebrating their freedom. Some folks will be working to provide goods and services for the others in the population who will be celebrating at home with their family and friends. We will be a part of that group. I’m sure the grill will be fired up, there will be some teenagers swimming in the pool, and we’ll gather with our lawn chairs at dark to see the fireworks in the distance. I hope more people than not will take the time to celebrate their real freedom. That freedom was won by Jesus in the cross. It is there that we were set free from death and its penalties. That’s eternal freedom. It cost God His only begotten Son. And, it is given freely to all people of faith! Happy 4th, y’all!