7 Meaningful Things to Include in Your July 4th Celebration

Do your kids know what the 4th of July is all about? It wasn’t until I started homeschooling that I realized my children didn’t know the meaning of Independence Day. While they looked forward to festive foods and fireworks, they didn’t know the history behind the holiday.

This year, take a few minutes to recap the Declaration of Independence adopted in 1776. There are plenty of videos online to help you explain why America fought for its independence. Check out this Liberty’s Kids episode for children, or this Christian perspective from the Riot Podcast.

Highlight your appreciation for all the men and women who’ve fought valiantly for our country, and remind your kids that without their brave sacrifice, we wouldn’t have some of the freedoms we enjoy today. If there’s an active-duty member in your family, give a big shout-out and thank them for their service.

“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more.” (1 Corinthians 9:19 NKJV)

Lord, thank You for all the men and women in our armed services. Please protect them as they continue to fight for our freedoms. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Related Article: 3 Things to Teach Your Kids about Independence Day

Not only do we enjoy freedom in our country, but we also enjoy the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. Through His finished work on the cross, He has set us free from sin, shame, and death. What a wonderful Savior we have!

Consider creating a Freedom Jar where every family member adds three freedoms for which they’re thankful. Here are a few ideas to include:

-Freedom to worship and read the Bible

-Freedom to work and earn money

-Freedom to go to school and learn

-Freedom of speech and peaceful protests

Conclude this meaningful activity with 1 Peter 2:16, which says, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (ESV)

Lord, thank You for allowing us to live in a country where we are free to worship and share the Gospel with others. Most of all, thank You for the freedom we have in Christ. In His precious name, amen.

As you welcome friends and family into your home this July 4th, snap their photo in front of a patriotic backdrop. Here is an easy idea for under $10, and here are more elaborate ideas for those who enjoy DIY projects.

Include fun accessories such as hats, leis, and star-shaped glasses to make the most out of your portrait sessions. This will be one 4th of July your family will remember for many years to come!

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14 NLT)

Lord, thank You for friends and family to celebrate with. Bless them and keep them in the days ahead. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/vgajic

In all of your 4th of July preparations, be sure to consider your neighbors. Many people don’t have family in town, so their options might be limited. Provide food for the elderly and welcome baskets for new families. Be sure to include invites to your church in case they haven’t found a place to worship.

Here are even more ideas for your neighborhood outreach:

-Plan a block party and ask everyone to bring a dish

-Host an outdoor movie night showing The Forge or Overcomer

-Provide acts of service such as lawn mowing or window washing

Romans 12:10 says, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Let this holiday be an opportunity to love your neighbors as yourself and reach out as God leads.

Lord, show me ways to bless my neighbors this 4th of July. Let them see Your lovingkindness through me and be drawn closer to You because of it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

While most Fourth of July celebrations involve outdoor activities, crafts can help kids wind down and focus on something meaningful. Examples include coloring pages, puzzles, and Bible crafts that focus on our God-given freedoms.

Set up a card table covered in butcher paper and top it with a variety of crayons, markers, paints, and stickers. If you’re worried about the mess, find a shady place outside to create your craft station. The kids will love it!

“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.” Exodus 35:35

Lord, thank You for creativity and fun ways to celebrate the 4th of July. Let all that we say and do honor You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Related Article: 5 Fourth of July Crafts to Do with Your Grandchildren

Music has always been a key part of family celebrations, so why not create a patriotic playlist of favorites. Start with Ray Charles’ America the Beautiful and expand to other genres. Keep the tunes going as you celebrate throughout the day and end your evening with a meaningful time of worship.

Here are a few classic songs to consider:

"There She Stands" by Michael W. Smith

"Freedom" by Darrell Evans

"God Bless the U.S.A" by Lee Greenwood

"Living in America" by James Brown

"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" by Chris Tomlin

Psalm 95:1-2 says, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”

Lord, I lift hands of praise to You today, thanking You for this country and the freedoms You’ve provided. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

When the BBQ is over, and the fireworks are spent, end your 4th of July celebration with a time of prayer. Pray for every state, city, and community to turn their hearts toward Jesus in repentance, belief, and salvation.

Here are a few Scriptures to pray aloud this 4th of July:

Isaiah 61:1: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives.”

John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Lord, I pray a special blessing over our nation today, asking You to touch the heart of every American near and far. Remind us that our freedom to worship You is a sacred blessing not to be taken for granted. We are deeply grateful for Your patience and provision. Turn our attention to Your truth—the Gospel truth—and keep our eyes on Jesus. In His name, amen.

Related Resource: Reviving the Church: Discipleship, Worldview, and Spiritual Hunger in America

Host Jeff King is joined by Judge Phil Ginn, President of Southern Evangelical Seminary, for a powerful discussion on the current landscape of faith, culture, and religious freedom in America. Together, Jeff and Judge Ginn dive deep into the challenges facing the American church today: from declining discipleship and the lack of effective evangelism to the pressures of "wokeness" and the battle to maintain a biblical worldview in an increasingly secular society. If you want more content on religious freedom and revival, follow Faith Under Fire on Apple or Spotify, so you never miss an episode.