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 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:
Printable color by number American Flag
Printable ‘Pray for Your Leaders’ coloring page
Activities:
Start a tradition of each 4th of July reading the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and/or The Declaration of Independence and playing patriotic music all day.
Watch patriotic movies –
Our favorite is the old Disney classic Johnny Tremain [DVD] (1957)
Here’s a great site with lots of info and ideas http://powerofmoms.com
Sing:
I’m in the Lord’s Army – video
March to patriotic music holding flags you made or purchased.
Patriotic Music:
http://www.patrioticon.org/patriotic-soundfiles.htm
