Shouts of excitement and running feet were heard as a firework, the “Twitter Glitter,” was placed in the middle of the street and lit. A few seconds later, it exploded into sparkly, bursts of jeweled light against the backdrop of a dark sky. The crackle, sizzle, and explosions of color brought delighted gasps of joy from my slightly pyromaniac boys and artistic daughter. Just another Independence Day tradition for the McMillian family – buy some overpriced fireworks, set them off in tandem with the rest of the neighborhood’s explosive celebrations, and revel in the magic.
Freedom is a word, but it’s also a feeling we experience most intensely on our nation’s birthday. It’s the desire all people have deep inside to be allowed to do as we want, to believe how we feel led, and to choose our own path. It’s a sense of pride in recognizing where our country began and the life we live today because of that insight and sacrifice.
Men have always had a desire to live in freedom outside the bonds of oppression. But it isn’t just physical oppression we need an escape from, but spiritual oppression and the bondage of sin. Jesus said in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” He also promised in John 10:10b, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Physical freedom alone is hard won. It takes a fight that demands everything, often our lives. Spiritual freedom is seemingly impossible then. But Christ took on the sacrifice. He made a plan to bring us redemption and freedom at such a low cost; we only have to accept it.
Don’t let this Independence Day be celebrated without reminding your children of the parallel between physical and spiritual freedom. The United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday this July 4th. 250 years of freedom and a life full of whatever we desire to make it. Christ offers an eternity with Him in Heaven, free of our struggle to gain access, while providing a life full of His presence and love while on this earth.
You can use Independence Day as an opportunity to explain this most wonderful freedom of all to your kids. You can even use indoor fireworks (much cheaper and safer than the outdoor variety), paper chains, object lessons, and even toilet paper to do it! If you would like a more in-depth lessons, games, and fun activities on this topic and more, check out the Kids Enjoying Jesus lessons, “I Need to Be Free!,” “The Greatest Freedom!,” or “Jesus Sets Me Free!.”
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
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