June 19 - Juneteenth Day

We've been hearing alot about Juneteenth in the news, but I hope you as kids haven't been watching much news.  Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observation in 49 of the 50 states. It was named a federal holiday in 2017.

President Lincoln, at the end of the war in 1865 declared that all slaves were free, but it wasn't until June 19, 1865 that the word reached Texas and the Confederate Army surrendered.  With the reading of "General Order No. 3", freedom was given to all slaves in America. It was no longer legal to own another person. Juneteenth has been celebrated since 1866, the year following their emancipation. 

Do you know where I'm going with this lesson? Are all people really free? No, many people live in bondage to sin, addiction, hurt, and unforgiveness.  These things control them and steal their joy.  Jesus said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36)  He understood that everyone is born as a slave to sin, and only when we accept Jesus' forgiveness do we truly find freedom.

​Today we can celebrate the freedom we have in Jesus.

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