Christian Home Learning

Last night, talking to Kev about the same-sex marriage issue here in Canada, and Canada Day being tomorrow, he said "how can anyone be proud to be Canadian?" (this coming from a Canadian, mind you).

While I'm certain there are still reasons to be proud (not the sinful proud, but the grateful proud) to be Canadian, I can sure understand what he meant.

As an American, there have been more than a few times in the past 20 years or so that I've cringed, as an American.

The talk we had last night led me to think about all the discussions I've had over the years with folks who insist this is not our home (and they're right) and that patriotism is of the devil (um... hello?).

Folks that refuse to fly a flag, or get all bent up over the national anthem.
Folks that have this idea that being patriotic and loyal to your country, is somehow demeaning to God.

I don't understand these folks, at all.

I do understand however, that both O Canada, and The Star Spangled Banner were both originally, God honoring songs. I'm sure you knew that, right?

Did you know that this was the last verse of the US national anthem:

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Or how about O Canada? No one ever sings the whole song. Check this out:

(last verse of the song)

Ruler supreme,Who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our Dominion in Thy loving care.
Help us to find, O God, in Thee
A lasting rich reward,
As waiting for the better day,
We ever stand on guard.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

While I do not know if the authors of these songs were in fact true believers (that'll be argued till Christ returns, I'm sure) I can read these lyrics as a true believer myself, and give God all glory for placing me in the country He placed me in, at the moment of my birth. I can (like these songs both do) sing these songs to praise, trust, glorify and especially as O Canada says - hope to find my lasting rich reward in Him, as I wait for a better day - all the while seeking His hand of providence while in this life - in the place He's put me in.

The US and Canada both, as nations, have done much to cause us sorrow and shame. However - with that said - and with Canada Day being tomorrow, and the 4th of July on Monday, I would just encourage all true believers to stand that day, wherever you gather to commemorate the day, and sing your country's national anthem, with all your heart - as a praise to Almighty God! Give Him all glory and honor, declare your faith in Him to all that can hear you singing, and sing it loud.

I believe this is what the original writers of these songs had in mind.
Let's honor their original words this weekend.

(anti-Canadian or US flaming in the comments will be deleted immediately - and you will whisked away to the Sudan - so don't even think about it)