In the first few days of July, the U.S. and Canada celebrated their independence from Great Britain 241 years for the U.S. and 150 years for Canada. This day in America has included all kinds of festivities, including songs, parades, cook-outs, parties, and decorations.
Sense of community is important to Central UMC and we love to celebrate. We want to be a part of this town and its traditions, and the Fourth of July Parade this year was no exception.
Our church got a tractor trailer and decorated it with banners and flags in red, white, and blue to celebrate the independence and freedom this country offers. Members and friends dressed up in patriotic colors and t-shirts. Some wore fun hats and waved flags as they drove through the town, waving at their fellow citizens in celebration.
Debby Long, Children’s Director, was one of the key leaders in putting together Central's float this year. She believes it's important to remember that although we celebrate, our freedom comes from Jesus Christ.
“We celebrate on July 4th for our freedom that we have within this country to worship God freely in our homes, church and other areas. We recognize that our freedom comes with a price. We are grateful for all who currently serve our country now and in the past. But, as believers, we acknowledge that our ultimate freedom comes from Jesus Christ and the price he paid for our sins by taking our place on the cross.”
In Acts 13:38-39, Paul said, “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.”
Let's celebrate our country’s freedom, but more than that, let's celebrate the freedom God offers to us and that is the freedom from sin.