FLAG DAY 2011 |
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Pastor Todd Christopherson
Mid American Stock Car Series
June 14, 2011
On June 14th we celebrate Flag Day in the USA. Let’s think about it for a moment.
From USA for Kids web site:
The U.S. flag has undergone many changes since the first official flag of 1777. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act, which said that the flag would be made up of thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue field. Stars have been added to the flag as new states join the union. Currently, the flag contains 50 stars.
Ever wonder why the flag is red, white, and blue? While the flag's colors did not have a specific meaning at the time, the colors were significant for the Great Seal of 1782.
White: Signifies purity and innocence
Red: Signifies valor and bravery
Blue: Signifies Vigilance, perseverance, and justice
When I think of Flag Day two things come to mind. The first is my Dad and his daily routine of raising the flag and his presentations to grade-schoolers. He presents the history, symbolism and etiquette on behalf of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). The second thing I think of are the two famous “flag” pictures: 1) WWII Iwo Jima and 2) Apollo 11. As I think about the flag and the symbolism of the Old Glory Red, I think of the many that have laid down their lives for our freedoms and this country’s heritage. There was a day that we could honestly say we were proud to be Americans but we have seen a spiral downward in our moral and Biblical roots.
In racing we have flags that tell us a story too, just like the American flag does. The same goes for color of the “Christian flag”. In that flag we see white, red and blue also. White is the purity that can only happen when we accept Jesus’ blood (red) as the only access to heaven on our behalf. The blue is a symbol of baptism. The Holy Spirit seals us when we are saved and He baptizes us in Himself. I pray you know Jesus in a personal daily way.
As the soldiers raised the flag and staked it in the ground we too need to put a stake in the ground in this nation. May we echo:
Colossians 4:2-5
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
So as you celebrate Flag Day, think about where this country came from, the price that was and is paid and where we are today.
See you at the track soon and have a great day in the SONshine,
Todd
Feel free to contact me at:
torch_for_jesus@yahoo.com, 608-630-7301 or 512 Chippewa Court, DeForest, WI 53532