Celebrations…

 Celebrations….

Earlier this week our nation celebrated the Fourth of July…a commemoration of our freedom, fought for so many years ago and still be sought after….fireworks, picnics, family gatherings held all over the United States…even at various US embassies in other parts of the world…

What does the various colors/items on the American flag stand for was a question posed by reporters as they roamed the crowds…

“The flag of the United States, sometimes referred to as the American Flag, or lovingly as “Old Glory”, the “Stars and Stripes”, and the “Star Spangled Banner”, has stood as a symbol of freedom since 1777, and its design encompasses both our nation’s history and patriotic ideals.

It is, of course, widely known that the 50 stars represent the 50 states of the Union and the 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies, however, the colors of the flag also hold important meaning.

WHY IS THE FLAG RED, WHITE & BLUE?

The significance behind the colors was not acknowledged when the American flag was adopted in 1777, however, the meaning was later explained by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, when he presented the U.S. Seal of the same colors to Congress in the early 1780s.

While the colors of the American Flag were likely inspired by our mother country’s flag, the Union Jack of England, they were also deliberately chosen to reflect the beliefs and values that our Founding Fathers deemed essential to building our nation.

Red

The color red represents hardiness and valor, as well as courage and readiness to sacrifice. It is also sometimes said to represent the blood shed by those who have fought to protect our freedom and our country.

Blue

The color blue signifies justice for all, as well as vigilance and perseverance. A reminder that we must remain watchful and strong.

White

The color white stands for purity and innocence. Pure, because we are independent from other countries and hold true to our ideals.”

From…

Red, White & Blue: American Flag Symbolism

Red, White & Blue: American Flag Symbolism

As I was reading in Mark 11, another celebration is recorded…Jesus’ Triumphant entry into Jerusalem…symbolism there as well

A colt which not had ridden for Jesus to ride-“humble King of peace”…fulfillment of prophecy…

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9:9

People spread their cloaks on the ground-honor for political leaders…

Some spread palm branches-leafy branches were a symbol of Jewish nationalism…

People shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!-“please save”or “save now”…

The day which Jesus came-the Passover, which celebrates the freedom from the Egyptians….

And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

Mark 11:7-10 

As Americans, we have our special temporal celebrations…but for those believers in Christ, those who have put their faith in Him, we have  celebrations  which have eternity as well…

Thank YOU….