A couple weeks ago, Guatemalans all over the country celebrated 195 years of their independence from Spanish rule. It was one of the wildest things I have ever seen. Our team got invited to join the leaders from our ministry site in celebrating by running and lighting the torch. A group of about 25 of us ran (walked) 4 kilometers to the center of the city where groups upon groups of people came to light their torches. On the way there we were cheered on by the sounds of whistles, plastic horns, and car horns. We passed many groups going to and from the lighting of the torch just shouting and full of energy and excitement. 
So through all of this excitement, God really convicted my heart. This passion that the Guatemalans show for their freedom and their country, is exciting and contagious. You can feel the joy from the people shouting and singing. It is so contagious, that it makes five Americans want to go and run with a flag and whistles just celebrating. But here’s the reality God gave me. As Christians, we have been set free from sin, death, condemnation, shame, guilt, and so much more for almost 2,000 years. Why don’t we, why don’t I celebrate everyday because the Savior of the world laid down His life to free us from all that. The Guatemalans are celebrating being free of Spanish rule for almost 200 years. That is awesome, but how much greater is the fact that God set us free from death. Not just from reign of one country, but from the evil and condemnation. As Christians, we should walk and live in so much freedom and joy, that it’s contageous. People should see Christians, should see me, living in so much celebration, that they want to know why and join in.
