We’re back from a week or so vacation celebrating a family wedding. While we were away, we had the privilege of celebrating not only July 1st for Canada Day, but July 4th for Independence Day in the United States of America. Both occasions involved public fireworks displays. In fact, fireworks were even at a birthday gathering we attended. And so, this week’s muse had me thinking about pyrotechnics and where it all began and why? Apparently, the first “firework” was said to have started in China around 400ish B.C. when someone accidentally threw a bamboo stick in the fire creating a loud “boom” as pockets of air heated up. Firecrackers and large noise makers were said to scare off evil spirits. Later, with the invent of gunpowder, military operations took the firework to new heights (ha, did ya see what I did there?) and now we see them used in celebrations of all kinds: religious, births, marriages, proposals and family gatherings. And, of course, public displays to celebrate Freedoms in many countries. The odd concert and sporting event uses them too. Plenty of money goes up in smoke for the sake of celebration!

The original fire displays were all orange. The Italians began experimenting with different chemicals, and eventually, somewhere around 1830’s the “modern” firework was born. Named after flowers, spiders, Roman candles, even cakes, the experts all have their favourites. Sparkles and shooting stars. I saw a new one this year that looked like Saturn with rings. I like the shooting star things that sprinkle down. Or the squiggle ones that corkscrew away. Luckily, neither my kids or creatures have trouble with fireworks or big booming noises. I fear it is a concern for quite a few families. I hear they have silent fireworks now … and fancy drone displays as technology grows to allow for alternative light shows.

No matter what the colour or shape, fireworks somehow have moved away from their dangerous military beginnings, to one of celebration. Baby gender reveals with blue and pink streaks. Sparklers on birthday cakes. If used wisely, it’s all in good fun. Of course, gunpowder is still dangerous. In the USA, 8 deaths were reported in 2023. Injuries usually involve young males. No comment. Be safe, people! Celebrations should be just that, celebrations! And yet, I can’t help but think of another celebration that quickly turned awry.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem with His disciples riding a colt of a donkey, the people celebrated His entry with celebrity status. They had heard of this Jesus, maker of miracles, and waved palm branches and yelled “Hosanna”. I’m not sure everyone in the crowd was a firm believer in His teachings. I am sure many of them got caught up in the spectacle, as we did being Canadians on Independence Day. It’s all in good fun. Until it wasn’t. Many hoped Jesus was bringing the Jews freedom from oppression. He was, but not in the way they expected. He was their new King, but not in the way they expected. Their celebration quickly turned to accusation. The next time Jesus was eyed by onlookers in the streets… it was carrying His cross.

Big public displays of celebration carry a lot of emotions. Crowds can get frenzied up… for good or bad. Human nature wants us to believe in something. Fireworks make me think of patriotism to our country and the freedoms we have in it. Birth announcements, parties, family gatherings all give us a chance to reminisce not only about the past, but look forward to what future generations will celebrate in time. Make sure it’s safe. God’s plan is often different than our own, and we can get caught up in thinking one way, when life leads us in a different direction sometimes.

Either way, God gives us a sprinkle of light often enough that it’s fun to enjoy it. Celebrate with fireworks! Be the light display in the darkness for all to ooh and awe at! Ka-boom!