The United States of America, this month, celebrates another birthday. She is 249 years old! You know what that means. Next year, 2026, we will celebrate 250 years. Now, we know what a 100 year anniversary is called. It is a centennial. Cumberland County itself celebrated one of those in 1956. Anyone here that was around back then? I think we have a few native Cumberland Countians who would have been alive then. Charles and Ella? Gordon? John? That year, 1956, was even before my time. But I’ve seen pictures of the great celebration that took place on Main Street that year here in the county. Some of you may have participated in those festivities.
However, I do remember the year 1976 when America celebrated it’s 200th birthday, known as the Bi-Centennial. I’m sure more of you remember that special time. I remember the great celebration that took place on Main Street to celebrate America’s birthday.
But that brings us to this time next year, July 4, 2026. Know what that anniversary is called? How about Semi quincentennial? Yes, that’s really what a 250th anniversary is called.
All of this reminds me that we really ought to be praying for our country. With all the uncertainly in this world, it reminds us that prayer and God’s presence in our lives is one of the few steadfasts we have. We’ve been hearing about such manmade catastrophes as nuclear blasts for nearly 80 years. And here it is 2025, and we still haven’t solved this problem. Without trying to be too negative, it behooves us to always be prayed up and ready. No matter what comes our way.
Who knows whether any of us will see the Semi-quincentennial on July 4, 2026! Our lives are precarious, according to James the brother of Jesus in his epistle. He goes as far as to say our lives are “even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Some might say that’s a morbid thought. But it’s only morbid if we’re not ready to meet the Lord. We’ve lost several of our church members and church friends in the last year or so. We never know “when our number is up” as the old saying goes.
What’s more, Jesus may come before July 4, 2026! If He does, then we’ll all go flying up through the air to meet Him. Won’t that be glorious! In the meantime, we can pray and be about our Father’s business. If we are around to celebrate the Semi-quincentennial, great! If not, we’ll celebrate in Heaven. Either way, SEE YOU THERE!