Here's something you need for your July 4th picnic: a laser which zaps mosquitoes.  This morning's USA Today website tells us that the inventor of such a device has finished its design and is now looking for a manufacturer.  While he intends to help eradicate malaria, his creation would be a welcome addition to the pyrotechnics we'll witness this weekend.

 

As we look forward to Sunday's celebration of our nation's birthday, we've been exploring historical facts related to the holiday and their spiritual significance.  We've discussed the Declaration of Independence and the American flag, both of which will feature prominently in Independence Day events.

 

Of course, the most visible part of the celebration will be the fireworks.  But why?  Where do fireworks come from?  Why are they so much a part of July 4?  I didn't know, so I did some investigating.

 

It turns out, no one is really sure who invented fireworks.  The Chinese are usually given credit, but people in India and other countries dispute the claim.  We know that people in China filled bamboo rods or paper tubes with explosives, then set them off.  Why?  Because they believed the loud sound would scare away evil spirits.  As a result, they began exploding fireworks for any significant event, whether a birth, wedding, coronation or New Year celebration.

 

Fireworks came to Europe in the 13th century, probably introduced by Crusaders returning from the Middle East.  By the 15th century, they were widely used for religious events and public entertainment.  Shakespeare mentions them several times in his plays.  They were popular with colonial Americans, and were used to mark significant events in the New World.

 

On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife regarding the adoption of our Declaration of Independence: "The day will be the most memorable in the history of America.  I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. . . . It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade . . . bonfires and illuminations [fireworks] from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."  He was right—fireworks were used during our first Independence Day celebration in 1777 and have been linked to the holiday ever since.

 

Daytime fireworks were displayed for the first time in 1880.  In 1881, they were banned due to the shooting of President Garfield; in 1942 they were canceled in most cities due to war blackouts.  This Sunday, more will be ignited for the Fourth of July than for any other national celebration on earth.

 

While America celebrates our political liberty, heaven celebrates our spiritual freedom.  Jesus told us that "there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent" (Luke 15:7).  One day America and the rest of our planet will be gone, replaced by a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).  But your Father will still celebrate the fact that you are in paradise with him.

 

Spend a moment thinking of your first moment in heaven.  Have you thanked your Father for his eternal grace yet today?

 

Copyright © 2010 The Center for Informed Faith.  All rights reserved.