July 2026 is a monumental milestone year for our United States of
America. The United States is celebrating its Semiquincentennial—the
250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which was
adopted on July 4, 1776. How do you like that word? Frankly, I wasn’t
aware of the word “Semiquincentennial” until I did some research on
the 250 th anniversary of our country. Wikipedia has two other names
for it- the Sestercentennial (two and a half centuries), or the Quarter
Millennium.
Like me, many of you remember our nation’s Bicentennial back in the
year 1976. I remember standing in the middle of Main Street in front
of the Cumberland County Courthouse as fireworks and celebration
culminated the day with tremendous fanfare and remembrance. As a
teenager, even then, I was awestruck by the huge crowd of people
who came together in unity to celebrate the occasion.
Whichever name we choose to call it, Semiquincentennial,
Sestercentennial, or Quarter Millennium, we should be fully aware of
the significance of this momentous event. Very few nations down
through the ages have been able to sustain itself for that long. For the
United States of America to have been able to accomplish this great
feat is a testament to the foresight of those who set our great country
in order.
Were they perfect people? Certainly not! But the vast majority of our
country’s founders claimed a relationship with Almighty God. Even with
all their faults and shortcomings (sins), they accepted the love, mercy,
and grace offered by our Heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus
Christ, our Lord! It is still a great example for us today.
Some say we are no longer a Christian nation. Many going so far as to
say we never were a Christian nation. Perhaps both of these
assessments are true or at least partially true. But, in my humble
opinion, there are still many people in our country who adhere to the
precepts, teachings, and commandments given by God the Father
through His written word, and as we go through all the celebrating this
July 4 th , let us be reminded that without that love, mercy, and grace,
extended to us by our Heavenly Father, we might not have the
opportunities we have to live in such a great country. I still believe,
with all its shortcomings, we live in the greatest, most blessed country
in the world!
Mrs. Preacher and I wish for you a wonderful July 4 th
Semiquincentennial holiday this year! May God richly bless you and
yours.
Pastor Tim