Happy ???? 4th of July Weekend

This time of year is great!  A time to gather with friends, family and neighbors to celebrate the freedom we have together.  Past memories of cookouts, water fights, decorations, family and friends watching fireworks fills my mind.  But this year is different, and there is no way around it.

Different isn't always bad, it's just different.

I probably don't need to tell you of all the ways it is different; you're living in this time right along with me.  The gatherings of people are either not happening or are much smaller.  The celebration of our nation's freedom doesn't seem as easy to proclaim this year.  Yes, we are living in uncertain times, uncertain ways, uncertain of how to move forward.

It would be easy to focus on the different things, but I want to rather remind you of what has not changed.  In the midst of COVID and questions of inequality in our nation, one thing remains the same.

Matthew 28:20 ...  Jesus said ... And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  We can think with everything that has changed, God might, perhaps, be ignoring or abandoning us.  I don't see that as a reality.  In fact, just the opposite.

In the midst of a sinful, wondering, questioning world, God sent the solution in Jesus Christ.  He sent his Son, fully God and fully human, into the battle to win the battle.  After defeating death and the devil, Jesus tells his followers that he is commissioning them to go out and make disciples, knowing that He will be with them to the very end of age.

Jesus is with us, Jesus is our freedom, our independence, our identity, our everything.
So Happy independence day - everyday - through Jesus Christ!  Let's Celebrate and proclaim!