Read Time: 5 min 39 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

Start practicing your best bald eagle call… America’s 250th birthday party is this weekend. 

On July 4th, 1776, the Thirteen Colonies started the process to sign, seal, and deliver the Declaration of Independence to England’s King George III. The colonies were renamed The United States of America, and a new nation was born. 

Uncle Sam’s done a lot in his 250 years, including: 

Though Independence Day celebrations didn’t become common until after the War of 1812, cookouts, parades, and matching American-flag shirts are now July 4th staples. (Read last year’s Decaf for a longer history behind the firework-filled festivities.) 

This year, Lady Liberty’s really putting on her Sunday weekend best. Tomorrow at 11:59 p.m. ET, Times Square is dropping its New Year’s ball midyear for the first time ever to get the semiquincentennial party started. Fireworks will light up the sky from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to Mount Rushmore to the San Diego Bay. 

Many of the major events are being hosted by America250, a bipartisan group trying to get every American in on the celebration. One of their events is America’s Block Party: local 4th of July celebrations held across the country. (See if there’s one in your neck of the woods.)

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
As Christians, this weekend is an opportunity to both celebrate our temporary home and look toward our eternal one. In the end, all the countries and kingdoms of the world—including the United States—will end. But that’s good news! God’s kingdom is far better and never-ending. 

“For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come. Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.”
Hebrews 13:14-15 (CSB) (read full passage)

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
U.S. citizens enjoy a number of freedoms. But for all our American freedoms, none compare with the freedom Christians find in Christ. In Him, we’re set free from the power of sin and death and empowered for wholehearted, God-oriented worship and obedience (Romans 6:5-11). 

What’s more, where American patriots had to fight to secure the freedoms we inherit today, there’s no declaration we can write or war we can wage to earn freedom from sin and death. It’s only by faith that Christ already won the war for us that we receive this forever freedom.

How can I model putting my hope and trust in Christ in light of this story?
By showing love and hospitality to my neighbors. 

Because of the freedom we have in Christ and our citizenship in His kingdom, holidays like Independence Day can be more than a day full of food and fireworks. They’re opportunities to follow Jesus’s greatest commandment: love God and others. 

One of the best ways to love your neighbors is by inviting them in, as Jesus has done for us. This week, invite someone—a neighbor who lives alone, a new face at church, or a friend from school—to join your family’s celebrations. You never know how a simple RSVP could impact someone’s eternity.

Gen Z Word of the Week: Dad’s been working on the fireworks display for an hour… but just let him cook.

Family Fun: We want to see how your family is celebrating Independence Day! Follow The Pour Over on Instagram, post a pic of your red, white, and blue bash, and tag us! Not on socials? Simply reply to this email so we can celebrate with you!

Whipped Cream on Top: A 5-year-old’s dream...

What Your Marriage Might Just Need
A weekend away*

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Go beyond good intentions. Give your marriage a weekend. Register now with code DECAF to save $100.

Our Summer Bucket List Has A New Addition
Piano for the whole family, thanks to flowkey*

Summer always feels like the season where we finally have time for the things we keep pushing off. This year, piano made the list.

flowkey fits right into slower summer days, with short lessons and a song library full of jams the kids already love. There's no rigid schedule, no driving to lessons, and no guilt when we skip a day of practicing.

The Family Plan includes five licenses, so everyone can learn at their own pace, from our six-year-old hunting for middle C, to me, who took lessons decades ago and is enjoying the refresher.

Decaf readers get 60% off any plan using code POUROVER60. 

Xan Sibley |Writer

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