According to www.history.com 

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

As we head into the beginning of the Fourth of July Weekend, many families have planned cookouts and summer parties to celebrate the Independence of our Nation. There will be fireworks, parades, and celebrations going on all over America and while our Independence as a free nation is important and the sacrifices of those lives lost in gaining our independence should never be forgotten, there is another freedom I want to tell you about.

Romans 5:8New Living Translation (NLT)

8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Thousands of years ago, on a cross, on a hill, Jesus Christ died for our sins so that we could be free and live with Him in eternity. He took the sins of the world and bore the pain so that we could be FREE. Free from sin.  Free to follow Him, to take up our cross and share His message of salvation for all! And now Christians around the world are being persecuted because they love Him and love Him enough to die for their beliefs.

So while celebrating our Independence as a Nation is most appropriate, don’t forget to thank the One that died so you could have eternal freedom and pray for all the people in the Body of Christ that are persecuted daily for sharing the Gospel!

May everyone that is reading this, have a safe holiday weekend and may you know how much Jesus Loves You!

Blessings to all!