I absolutely love the 4th of July! I love every part of it… the colors, the parades, the picnics, the music, the fireworks, the pagentry, and the significance!
Independence Day, or the 4th of July, is really my favorite holiday! It is a federal holiday commemorating the day, in 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress. The United States was born… a brand new nation, that was no longer part of the British Empire; but God would always be a part of it!
At that time, John Adams wrote to this wife saying, “I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty! It ought to be solemnized with pomp, parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
So to this day, we, as Americans, carry out Mr. Adams’ expectations and we indulge in hot dogs, ice cream, fireworks, parades, music, barbeques with friends and families, all while adorned in clothes of red, white and blue. But while we are enjoying our freedoms and the fun the moment provides, let’s not forget the blood, sweat, and tears that got us here… a nation with a foundation of strong Christian values!
These Christian values have come together to form a carefully constructed mosaic that is the very foundation of this great nation. You may be surprised to know that of the 56 men who signed our Declaration of Independence, nearly half (24) held seminary or Bible school degrees. The following quotes from some of our founding fathers, are small sampling of the strong moral and spiritual convictions that they valued and upheld. These values and convictions have been passed on to you… treasure them!
George Washington, 1st U.S. President, “While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”
John Adams, 2nd U.S. President and signer of the Declaration of Independence, “Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. Every member would be obliged, in conscience, to temperance, frugality, industry, to justice, kindness and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love and reverence toward Almighty God… what a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be.” – From the Autobiography and Diary of John Adams.
Patrick Henry, Ratifier of the United States Constitution, “The Bible is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed.”
Roger Sherman, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, “I believe that there is only one living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.”
Our Christian roots are indeed deep and mighty! This is truly a gift to all of us and we all share in that inheritance… get involved in it, covet it, and embrace the love and power! Truly, In God We Trust!
Boom-Boom thanks you for sharing part of your precious day with me… In God I Trust!
