Happy 250th!

Patriotism is a virtue. It is good to love one's homeland, good to love the citizens with whom one shares his nation. As our country celebrates her 250th Independence Day, it is good to reflect on those things that God has given us. Our free speech laws make it possible for the Gospel to be freely proclaimed. God's Word is not hidden away in dark corners. This is certainly a blessing that is not universal.

Let us give thanks to God for what He has given us. Let us celebrate with joy our nation's successes and mourn her failures. Let us call our fellow citizens to repentance and faith, that they may turn away from sins which separate them from God and receive the mercy promised to those who are in Christ.

Here is a prayer from the Lutheran Book of Prayer for the occasion of Independence Day:

"Eternal Father, Ruler of all nations, on this day when my country celebrates its birth, I thank You for all spiritual and temporal blessings enjoyed in our land. In Your mercy, You have sustained this nation in times of trouble and preserved its liberties. Teach me anew to treasure that dearly won freedom of conscience and worship that is the cornerstone of this country's principles. Let me not misuse this liberty nor forget that true freedom is freedom to serve. Give me willingness to share in the process of democratic rule, to respect my country's laws, and to work for the preservation of its institutions. Forgive our past sins committed as a nation in the name of misguided patriotism, self-interest, or political expediency. Confound all those who, for the sake of partisanship or other motives, would sacrifice the greater welfare. Grant wisdom to our leaders. Strengthen all those who strive to do Your will. Increase loyalty to You and to our beloved country. Protect me and my fellow citizens from all subversive or terrorist acts. Above all, dear God, speed the course of Your Gospel among us, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, hearts are turned to that freedom from sin and death that You alone graciously give through Jesus Christ. Amen."
-Lutheran Book of Prayer (Concordia Publishing House, 2005).

Let us thank God for what we have been given and joyfully gather together to receive the forgiveness won for us on the cross.

-Pastor Pope