American founding Father John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776 regarding the adoption of The Declaration of Independence:
I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding
Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as
the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to
be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells,
Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from
this Time forward forever more.
Of course, at the time he wrote he thought the adoption of
the declaration would be observed on July 2nd rather than the 4th,
but his prediction of the manner of its celebration was still prophetic. What is striking is that he thought the
celebration should not only include “Bonfires and Illuminations” but also “solemn
Acts of Devotion to God.” Today we are thankful
for our nation and the peculiar ways the Lord has blessed it. As Paul admonished Timothy, we are to offer prayer
for all men, including “kings, and all that are in authority” (1 Tim 2:1-2). Today we honor that by praying for our nation
and her leaders.
Grace and peace, Pastor
Jeff Riddle
