Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
John 8:36
Another holiday is another opportunity to teach your children. Try to always have a centerpiece that represents the holiday so you can be reminded to talk about it at meal times.
While we may not agree with everything happening in our country right now, we still need to celebrate with our children the fact God has allowed us to live in a free country and that many brave soldiers have fought physical and spiritual battles to ensure we have freedom.
Conversation:
Explain that we have physical freedom in our country to go where we want to go and do what we want to do. Soldiers gave up their lives so we could live in a free country. Tell your children about America’s history. Watch these informative Early American Series videos online and then retell the stories in your own words to your younger children; be animated and use visuals if possible. Older children might enjoy watching the videos.
Be sure and emphasis that we have the highest form of freedom, spiritual freedom, because Christ died on the cross to set us free from the punishment for sin and free from the power of sin which is freedom to make wise choices. Since Christ’s death and resurrection, many soldiers for Christ have fought spiritual battles against the enemy, Satan, so we can know the message of salvation.
Prayer:
Thank you, God, for the freedom we have in our country to go where we want to go and do what we want to do. Thank you, Jesus, for dying on the Cross so we can be free from the punishment and power of sin. Thank you for the soldiers who fight for freedom.
Crafts:
Free 4th of July crafts and printables
Printable ‘Pray for Your Leaders’ coloring page
Activities: (begin some family traditions)
Sing: I’m in the Lord’s Army
Read the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and/or The Declaration of Independence
Play patriotic music all day. Here’s some sites for music http://www.patrioticon.org/patriotic-soundfiles.htm and http://youtu.be/Q65KZIqay4E
March to the music holding flags you made or purchased
Watch patriotic movies –
Our favorite is the old Disney classic Johnny Tremain [DVD] (1957)
Another suggestion is Liberty’s Kids cartoon – The First 4th of July
Here’s an excellent dvd to help keep God’s role in American history as an important part of your child’s education: One Nation Under God
Here’s a great site with lots of info and ideas http://powerofmoms.com