JULY FOURTH 2024 - CELEBRATION

 THURSDAY, JULY FOURTH, 2024 - INDEPENDENCE DAY 

We became a nation two hundred forty-eight years ago. In 2026, we will celebrate our Semiquincentennial (250 years).

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Now, let’s think of the HAPPIEST MARRIAGE EVER.

Two great friends have married. There was a ceremony and then the greatest reception you’ve ever seen. Everybody was there. There was enough fantastic food and beverages. Everybody got a gift. There were several stages and groups for dancing (country-western, rock and roll, big band, even polka). Everybody (except the bride and groom) was in colorful outfits. Little planes were flying overhead with special banners. Parashooters jumped out of planes. The Air Force Blue Angels flew over in a great salute.  

Everything you can think of for a grand party occurred. For the babies, there was a great nursery with the best mothers and nurses. For the adventurous, there was rock climbing. Readers sat with their favorite authors and just visited. There were games and contests (sack race, hot dog eating contests), and everybody was a winner. The homeless were there, as were the super wealthy and the average worker with his or her boss.

Every racial and ethnic group was there. There was laughter and fun. Liberal talked with Conservatives. Straights and Gays danced together.

The weather was fantastic - no flies, mosquitos, or pesky birds existed.

The party went on for days.

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Our Fourth of July celebration could be like that. 

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Sure, we celebrate our great country with picnics, fireworks, music, dancing, and fantastic activities. But this one will be the best of all!!!

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The one I envision is the marriage of God and his people. 

“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
    the Almighty reigns.
 

Let us rejoice and exult
    and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
    and his Bride has made herself ready;

it was granted her to clothe herself
    with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

(Revelations 19:6-9)

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O when the saints go marching in,

O when the saints go marching in,

O Lord, I want to be in that number

when the saints go marching in.

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LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, July 4, 2024