If you looked at your calendar in the last two years, you probably noticed they added another holiday for June 19th - Juneteenth. While it is always good to get another day off (with pay), the celebration of Juneteenth goes far beyond that. Once you understand the history of the holiday, I am certain you will see why Christians should celebrate Juneteenth.
What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Some have even called it the nation’s second Independence Day. While it is tempting to limit the celebration of Juneteenth to African American history, that is too narrow a scope. We should recognize and celebrate Juneteenth as part of American history.
On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger, along with 2,000 union troops, arrived in Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed freedom for all enslaved individuals. This decree followed the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. While that might seem like a reason to rejoice, Lincoln made that proclamation two and a half years earlier on January 1, 1863. The slaves in Galveston were not aware of this proclamation. When they heard this news of emancipation, the word spread quickly throughout Texas. This marked a pivotal moment in the fight against slavery and the ongoing quest for equality.
While Juneteenth initially gained popularity in Texas, it has since grown to be recognized and celebrated across the United States. It has great cultural importance and is the oldest national celebration of slavery ending in America.
Juneteenth serves not only as a day of remembrance, it is also a platform for reflection and dialogue about the struggle for racial equality that still exists in our nation 160 years later. This holiday serves as an opportunity to expand your horizons and to familiarize yourself with cultural experiences that may differ from your own.
5 Reasons Christians Should Celebrate Juneteenth
1. It Opens the Door to Racial Reconciliation within the Body of Christ
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
I wish I didn’t have to say this in the 21st century, but there is a need for racial reconciliation, even within the body of Christ. You would think after all these years, we would have overcome this divide. But if you look honestly and objectively, you will see there is more work to do.
One reason this divide still exists is because we don’t take the time to get to know each other’s stories. Every person has a story and a history and once you know their story, it becomes harder to dislike them. Knowing people and where they come from are the building blocks of how you create a healthy, unified community.
When there is division, it is often the result of either not enough information or too much of the wrong information. Consider how many of our opinions about people of all ethnic backgrounds are created by stereotypes. By commemorating Juneteenth, it gives you a reason to grow beyond the stereotypes. You have an opportunity to embrace the story that can be told by many of your brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, especially people of color. Just taking the time to do that can open doors toward racial reconciliation and bring healing and unity within the body of Christ. This is something the church and our society desperately needs.
2. To Remember Our History
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).
Remembering is part of the Christian experience. Paul encourages the Romans to remember what was written in the past. Even Jesus wants us to remember the sacrifice of the cross, which is why we take communion. In the same vein, celebrating Juneteenth can be a way to remember the history of our nation. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
It seems in our society there are those who want to run away from our history or make it appear different from what it really is. As Christians, we should never do that, because when you look at the examples of Scripture, God told us the story as it is, warts and all. Our history is not perfect, but it is ours. Rather than running away from it, we should run into it, and Juneteenth is one of those moments to do just that.
There is so much you can learn just by looking at history. Let’s be honest, history is not always pretty, and our heroes are not always perfect. However, the lessons you learn make the pursuit worthwhile. I know talking about the realities of slavery and how Black people were treated can be uncomfortable for many, but that is why we should do it. If we don’t, then these struggles and journeys to freedom become lost in the annals of time and ultimately no one benefits from what has happened in our past.
3. To Celebrate with Those Who Are Celebrating
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).
At its core, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom from slavery. This alone is cause for rejoicing. Slavery was a horrific experience for those who were forced into it. There is no way to sugarcoat the experience of slavery at all. If you don’t believe me, just study the history of how slaves were treated and ask yourself, would you want to trade places and be a slave?
Juneteenth did not officially end slavery. That did not happen until December 6, 1865, when the 13th Amendment was ratified. However, by the time June 19 rolled around, the process was well on the way. As Christians, anytime you can celebrate freedom from bondage, you should. This leads into my next reason Christians should celebrate Juneteenth.
4. Because the Story of Freedom Mirrors Our Salvation Story
“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!” (Romans 6:20-21).
Salvation is a liberation story, which is why all Christians should relate to Juneteenth. We were all once slaves to sin and subject to its whims. Sin was a cruel master and what sin wanted, sin got because sin controlled your life. However, because of Jesus, we all have an emancipation story. If you are a Christian, then you have a personal Juneteenth you can celebrate.
I know in America we like to celebrate Independence Day every July 4. However, the truth is you cannot have independence if you don’t have freedom. Juneteenth remembers the freeing of the slaves, which at least gave them the opportunity to achieve independence. As Christians, let’s celebrate our freedom in Christ and let Juneteenth be a reminder of where you used to be before Christ and where you are now.
5. Because It Is a Reminder of Why We Need to Share the Hope of the Gospel
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:14-15).
If there is an irony in the Juneteenth story, it is that the proclamation was made over two years prior. During those years, people were free, yet they were still living in slavery. This happened for one reason: No one had told them yet.
By comparison, just think of how many people are still trapped in the bondage of sin because they don’t know there is a way of freedom available to them. When you remember Juneteenth, realize someone brought the message of freedom to the slaves in Texas. Let that be a reminder of why we need to bring the message of freedom and hope that is found in the gospel to those who are still slaves to sin.
I don’t know how you will choose to recognize Juneteenth this year. What I do ask is you consider the history surrounding this day and just remember. Hopefully that one activity will cause you to look at this day as more than just another day off from work.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Ahmad Bilal
Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. His most recent book is The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has just released his first Bible study course called Bible Study Basics. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.