A centennial celebration of statehood was colorfully and appropriately paraded before the masses this past Sunday--on the streets, on television--as a spectacular media moment of memory. It was a fitting tribute to so many who have meant so much to Oklahoma. Amidst all that pageantry, I wondered how many paid just tribute to only One--who has meant more to this state than all the others combined??
As to honoring an astronaut, who went to the moon, this One made the moon --and the sun, and the stars--for without Him was not anything made that has been made (John 1:1-4,14)!
While noting a Hall of Fame catcher, who contributed so much to the game of baseball, this One fits in a Hall of Fame, who has given life, breath, and all things for all the centuries, and for all the creatures for all the earth (Acts 17:24f; James 1:17)!
While special notice was given to one whose influence crossed over state borders to be crowned Miss America, this One, on a barren, bald knob called Golgotha (the place of the skull) did a deed that has affected all, crossing over borders, continents and centuries, because He is soberingly remembered as the One who died for all (II Cor. 5:14f), giving His life as a ransom that could redeem all (Matt. 27:33-50; I Tim. 2:5f).
While gifted ones wrote a special song that has been repeatedly sung, accompanied by a picturesque’ portrayal of this state’s beauty, this One has had hundreds of songs written about Him seeking to give Him the honor He is rightfully due. While few know all the words the Oklahoma duo wrote for this centennial celebration, masses around the globe have uttered such words as these written by Edward Perronet:
“All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostate fall!
Bring forth the royal diadim, and crown Him Lord of all!” 1
Instead of well orchestrated bands that marched and made music to celebrate the birth of this state, wearing colorful costumes, and filling the air with the State song, this One was born in an unsightly cow stable, yet He had an angel band dramatically announce His birth and significance in these words: “...Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…And suddenly there appeared...the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased’” (Lk. 2:10,13f, emphasis mine-dk).
While a large crowd assembled to grasp the grandeur of one hundred years of Oklahoma statehood, this One was remembered by God’s great family around the globe, sharing in His simple, but significant, Supper of bread and fruit of the vine (Lk. 22:15-20;Acts 20:7). An interesting contrast to the price paid for the pageantry of Sunday’s centennial celebration.
All of this does give pause for one question: How much does this One--God’s Son--mean to you? Did you properly remember Him on this centennial celebration for this great state?

1 Alton H. Howard, Songs of Faith and Praise, Howard Publishing Co. Inc., West Monroe, LA, 1994, #162