We know what it means to be free. Or at least we think we do. We talk easily about freedom of speech, freedom to gather, freedom to worship, freedom to build a life. These are real gifts, and they’re worth giving thanks for.
But our national anthem pairs that word with another: “glorious and free.”
And that raises a better question—what actually makes a nation glorious?
Through history, nations have tried to answer that with what can be seen and measured: economic strength, military power, cultural success. Bigger, stronger, louder. You can see it in the way nations take pride in global influence or, more recently, in the passion surrounding events like the FIFA World Cup—where national identity and glory are celebrated on a global stage. There’s something compelling about it, something that draws us in. And yet, while these moments can unite and inspire, they don’t necessarily produce the kind of glory we’re asking God to give.
Scripture points us in a different direction:
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
In the biblical sense, righteousness is about right relationship—with God and with one another. It’s not abstract or distant; it’s relational, lived, and embodied in everyday choices. That means the “glory” of a nation is not first about what it displays outwardly, but what is formed within its people.
A nation moves toward glory when its people are shaped by the way of Christ—when love of neighbour takes precedence over self-interest, when generosity becomes normal, when justice is practiced consistently, and when peace is actively pursued. And the warning is just as clear: when we drift toward pride, indifference, and self-protection, it doesn’t stay contained. It shapes our communities and leaves its mark.
So this Canada Day, we celebrate with genuine gratitude. We thank God for where we live and for the freedoms we enjoy. But we also pray—that righteousness would mark us personally and collectively; that our leaders would act with wisdom and integrity; and that our shared life would make space for the flourishing of all.
And this Sunday at CLA, we get to put that into practice together.
We’ll gather for a special Canada Day service and welcome civic, provincial, and national leaders into our church. We’ll pray for them and honour the responsibility they carry. After the 9am. service, we’ll share a pancake breakfast, and following the 11am service, we’ll host a barbecue with hot dogs and hamburgers. There will be games for kids, cotton candy, tattoo stickers, service vehicles to explore, and space to sit outside—so bring a lawn chair or blanket. If the weather turns, we’ll move everything into the Conference Hall.
It will be a day of celebration—but also a reminder.
If we’re asking God to keep our land “glorious and free,” then we’re also asking Him to make His righteousness visible among us.
