God Keep Our Land

On July 1st my husband and I celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday at Muskoka Bible Centre on Mary Lake near Huntsville, Ontario.

Muskoka Bible Centre Mary Lake, Huntsville ON

We decorated our friends’ golf cart and participated in a long parade with dozens of other enthusiasts. ‘Red and white’ was the colour of the day, unless, of course, you were a Toronto Maple Leaf fan and ‘blue’ dominated. (It made me think of the Sesame Street song: “One of these things is not like the others. One of these things just doesn’t belong.”) But all was done in the theme of Happy 150th Birthday, Canada as we enjoyed a comradery not soon forgotten.

There was a fun-filled competitive spirit as to whose golf cart would be the ‘winner’ which resulted in themes ranging from a 150th Birthday Cake to a Canoe to Gone Camping! Although winning was not on our agenda, we did not hesitate to look the part! After all, we’re Canadians, eh! And proud of it!

The parade extended through the trailer park and camp grounds as we recognized many faces, having been part of MBC for years. Others who were strangers would become friends before the day was over. We tossed candy, sang songs, honked horns, and finished down at the beach where the carts were lined up and 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners were chosen.

As the day progressed the crowd grew, numbering far into the hundreds. We enjoyed a picnic of hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausages, a variety of salads, and a generous slice of cream-topped cake that was embossed with a maple leaf made from local strawberries. The day ended with an evening concert featuring Paul Turner, recording artist and Pastor of Worship at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Barrie, Ontario. His music filled the auditorium and echoed in the surrounding hills.

Throughout the day I couldn’t help but think how God had blessed us. Although the weather prediction called for rain, the sun poured down on us instead! Food was in abundance for everyone. New friends were made and old friends greeted one another with hugs or handshakes with the on-going comment: “Hasn’t this been a great day?” Although not acknowledged, there was a sense of freedom as we enjoyed our Christian heritage without being encumbered by police and the threat of imprisonment or the ridicule of those who deny God’s very existence.

The founders of our country built Canada on the Word of God, as can be seen in many examples: The name Dominion of Canada; the motto of Canada:“He shall have dominion from sea to sea” and the phrase on Canada’s coat of arms: “A mari usque ad mare” (Latin for: From sea to sea) are taken from Psalm 72:8 (He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.) Despite the efforts of the Canadian Secular Alliance to remove the reference to God from Canada’s national anthem—stating that “Canada’s cultural and religious landscape has shifted significantly in modern times, and the anthem should be updated to reflect this reality”—may we stand strong and faithful to our Christian heritage. May we never take for granted the freedom our nation provides, faithfully praying, “God keep our land glorious and free!”

“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 1:19