Why All the Celebration?

 Here we are again looking forward to the Fourth of July weekend celebrating our country’s birthday with parades, picnics and fireworks.

Recognizing how precious the life and opportunities we are given in our country, cherishing our citizenship, moves us to share our thankfulness with those we love and with whom we live. What we are celebrating is truly a gift of God recognized in the very Declaration of Independence with these words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

As followers of Christ, we celebrate our country and it’s founding with an insight and clarity of Creator who gives us both an earthly government and a heavenly government. Two kingdoms, separate but connected as Jesus revealed answering a question of the Pharisees designed to trap Him. The question was, “should we followers of God pay taxes and thus pay tribute to the Roman Emperor who call himself God?” Jesus answered with these words, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” (Matt. 22:21) Those that heard the words of Jesus were amazed. Understanding that we are citizens of both governments give us a unique understanding and amazement of God’s blessing in this country we call our home. What is all the celebration about? It is about God  blessing,our country.

Question: How much money does the USA spend on fireworks every year?

Answer: According to a Bloomberg report, the U.S. spent $1 Billion on fireworks in 2012. The average commercial fireworks display costs $15,000.