Celebrating America’s Birthday

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July 4, 2026, marks 250 years since the United States of America became an independent, sovereign nation.

Over the past few weeks, I have read multiple remarks about this significant milestone in our nation’s history. Many of those statements consisted of praiseworthy commentary. A few were derogatory in nature, highlighting perceived mistakes and wrongs from those 250 years.

Admittedly, some of those critiques were truthful. But no nation on earth has a perfect, spotless history. And after reading and pondering these positive and negative blogs, articles, and social media posts about America’s upcoming birthday, I kept coming back to the actual number of candles on her proverbial birthday cake – 250.

Two and a half centuries is a long time, especially when considering the average lifespan of a person is only 70 years. But pondering the number 250 in terms of generations adds even more significance to this year’s Independence Day celebration.

According to various online Christian research sites, the biblical definition of a generation is basically 30 years. In contrast, modern statistical research sites such as Census.gov mark generations in half of that biblical timeframe, or approximately 15 years. However we mark it, America’s history consists of only 8-16 generations of citizens.

That is a mind-boggling statistic – if we stop and really consider it.

In 16 or fewer generations, the United States of America has grown from a fledgling nation to a world powerhouse, comprised of 50 states, one federal district, and 14 territories. Throughout those 16 generations, our people have weathered and overcome countless national and personal storms. Those storied storms, the good, the bad, and the hideously ugly ones included, have made us who we are as a country. And for that, I am grateful to God.

Still, the actual numerical reality of 250 years is not that profound in terms of the sovereignty of other nations.

Or is it?

How many nations other than America have survived this long or longer?

According to the educational research website ThoughtCo.com, it is difficult to calculate exactly how many countries are older than the United States of America. Granted, there are dozens of countries that have existed much longer than 250 years. However, some of those land masses existed as part of an ancient civilization or empire long before they declared national sovereignty.

Even so, it is interesting to note that one of the world’s smallest nations is also considered the oldest nation on earth. The Republic of San Marino, which is totally landlocked by Italy, was supposedly founded in 301 B.C.

Ironically, on the flipside of San Marino’s numerically impressive existence, there are also quite a few nations that were born in the last few generations. In fact, 34 new nations were established since 1990, with 15 of those formed due to the dissolution of larger entities such as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The youngest of those 34 nations is South Sudan, which gained its independence only 15 years ago on July 9, 2011.

Obviously, the USA is by no means the youngest or oldest nation on earth. Still, 250 years of continual existence is nothing to scoff at. The 16 generations of children that Lady Liberty has birthed in those two and a half centuries have all played a part in America’s ongoing story. But up until this moment in time, most of our national story has been based on the bedrock theme of Christianity.

As a member of one of those 16 generations of Americans (the Baby Boomers, to be exact), I worry that our national story might not always be centered on faith and family. Even a cursory glance at our current culture legitimizes my worries. As Christians, we all recognize the signs of cultural decay, and we pray for a reversal in that downward trend.

But time is moving rapidly, and so is America’s spiritual and moral decline.

That knowledge (coupled with this important date in our nation’s history) has left me quite nostalgic. It’s almost impossible to believe that 50 years ago, I took part in our small town’s bicentennial celebration. It seems like that national birthday party took place yesterday, in so many ways.

I was only a teenager in 1976, but I distinctly remember donning my Revolutionary War-era costume, complete with a sunbonnet made by my grandmother. Back then, everyone I knew took part in our Independence Day parade and picnic. We were unified in our love for our flawed but amazing nation.

How did the following five decades of my story (and our nation’s story) pass so quickly? And why did we, personally and collectively, allow our precious republic to drift so far from the Christ-centered bedrock upon which America was founded?

I am not sure. But I am certain that Jesus is our only hope.

As such, this Independence Day, July 4, 2026, might just be the climax of our 250-year national story. If so, it is now or never for the spiritual future of the United States of America. And as Christians, our part in that future is pivotal … and plainly outlined in 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV), “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

So, before we head to the parade this Saturday, or before we blow out the 250 candles on Lady Liberty’s birthday cake, let’s join together as the body of Christ and get ready for America’s next Independence Day celebration by following God’s four-point plan for national healing. Let us all: humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from our wickedness.

That is the best birthday present we could ever give America and her future generations.

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