To celebrate Juneteenth is to honor the struggles of the brothers and sisters, strangers and friends who have faced many hardships in the cause of freedom.
In America we love to talk about freedom. As Christians we often lift up the Biblical understanding of freedom such as in Galatians 5:13-14:
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
The new federal holiday of Juneteenth is also about freedom. It celebrates victories in the cause of freedom. It celebrates the end of the Confederacy, the end of slavery and the goal of one nation united in freedom for all.
Juneteenth is an opportunity to celebrate with those who have sacrificed, died and struggled in order to achieve freedom from the long-term effects of slavery and segregation. That’s something to sing about!
Let us be among those who honor and celebrate a holiday that has long been celebrated by our brothers and sisters in the black church and which is now recognized as a great milestone in the history of our country.
Happy Juneteenth!
Blessings always,
Pastor Mary
