“My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”: Liberty in God’s Creation

Hello Friends,

Happy Belated Fourth of July! Can you believe that just two days ago we celebrated our Country’s 249th Birthday? Did you celebrate? Did you go see fireworks? Did you stay home and set off your own fireworks? Did you light any sparklers? Did you spend time with family, friends, and/or neighbors? Growing up, I went with my family to my aunt and uncle’s to watch fireworks and while there we would set off our own fireworks. Sometimes, we spent the holiday at my family’s cabin in Wisconsin. How did you celebrate the day known as “Independence Day”?

Can I share with you a little bit about the Fourth of July? The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is a holiday that commemorates the birth of the United States of America. It marks the day when the 13 American colonies declared their independence from British rule in 1776. This day is celebrated across the country with festivities that symbolize freedom and unity.

You see, long ago, the area that is now the United States was made up of 13 colonies. These colonies were ruled by Britain, a country across the ocean. The people living in the colonies, known as colonists, started to feel unhappy because they had to follow British laws and pay taxes without having a say in the decisions that affected their lives. So, the colonists wanted to make their own laws and decisions. They believed they should have the right to govern themselves and not be controlled by a faraway King. Many meetings and discussions were held among the colonies to decide the best way to achieve this freedom.

In 1776, a group of representatives from the colonies gathered to discuss their independence. They decided to write a letter to the King of Britain explaining why they wanted to be free. This letter is known as the Declaration of Independence. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and signed by many important leaders on July 4, 1776.

By signing the Declaration of Independence, the colonies declared that they were no longer part of Britain and that they were now free and independent states. This was a brave decision, as it meant that the colonies would have to fight to win their freedom. The decision to declare independence led to the American Revolution, a war between the colonies and Britain. It was a difficult and challenging time, but after many years of fighting, the colonies won the war and secured their freedom. And this freedom is what we celebrate on the Fourth of July.

So, you see, the Fourth of July is more than fireworks, more than parades, more than eating hot dogs, going swimming, and attending parties. The 4th of July is actually a day to celebrate our independence, our freedom and liberty, the hard work of those who fought for our freedom 249 years ago. We pause on that day to remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I can live in the land of the free and the home of the brave; so that you and I can experience freedom.

But did you know that our freedom started more than 249 years ago? It actually started with Jesus. Jesus was the first one who gave his life for us. Jesus, on the cross, gave us freedom, our liberation. We call Jesus’ gift of freedom our salvation. The Bible tells us on several occasions that we are set free, that we have salvation:

1. Galations5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery.”
2. Galatians 5:13 “For you were called to freedom, brothers, Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love and service toward one another.”
3. Romans 6:7 “For one who has died has been set free from sin.”
4. 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
5. John 8:32 “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The more I think about these verses, the more I begin to hum the hymn, “America,” also known as “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” Samuel F. Smith, 1832, wrote this beautiful hymn and penned these words,

My country ’tis
This wee sweet land of liberty
Of thee I sing
Land where my fathers died
Land of the pilgrim’s pride
From every mountainside
Let freedom ring
My native country, thee
Land of the noble free
Thy name I love
I love thy rocks and rills
Thy woods and templed hills
My heart will rapture fills like that above

Let music swell the breeze
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom’s song
Let mortal tongues awake
Let all that breathe partake
Let rocks their silence break
The sound prolong

Our Father God to Thee Author of liberty
To Thee I sing
My country ’tis of Thee
Sweet land of liberty
For all eternity
Let freedom ring
Let freedom ring
My country ’tis, my country ’tis of Thee

From these words, we learn that this country ’tis of thee, is truly the land of liberty–of freedom and salvation. This country ’tis of thee, was created by God with hopes that you and me would let freedom ring. This country ’tis of thee is more than freedom, it is the land of the free and home of the brave. This country ’tis of thee is our home, and our home has been created by God. So, for this Fourth of July, remember that this country was created by God for you, for me, and for many others. “Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light, protect us by they might, great God, our King.” You have been set free to be who you are meant to be.

As we end the Fourth of July weekend, remember that Jesus has set you free: he has set you free to be who you want to be. On our Nation’s 249th Birthday, take time to give thanks to God and all those who sacrifice so much for you. Because of them, you are free! As Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “Thank God we are free at last!” We are free because we have Jesus in our life! And God has given us this country ’tis of thee to call home! Happy Fourth of July!

Your Friend, Holy Spirit!