Joy That Carries Us
Fifteenth Day of Advent. Monday, December 15, 2025
The Public Reading of the Law of Moses
The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places. They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, “Hush! Don’t weep! For this is a sacred day.” So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them. Nehemiah 8:7-12
Dear friends,
Today, as we light the Advent candle of joy, remember these words: “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
The book of Nehemiah openly displays the pain of God’s people. After years of exile and hardship, they gather to hear the reading of the Law. They weep—overwhelmed by their failures, their distance from God’s commands, and the weight of all they’ve lost. But in that moment of sorrow, the Levites move among them with a surprising message: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This Advent season, while we wait in hope for Emmanuel, we may also become painfully aware of our own faults, the fractured world, and the gap between what is and what should be. Like the Israelites, we are invited to realize that our strength doesn’t come from our perfection or circumstances—it comes from the deep, lasting joy found in God’s presence and His Word. When we embrace God’s joy, that becomes our strength.
Sure, this Advent season, there’s plenty to discourage us and bring us down. But when you're tired or overwhelmed by everything that’s wrong in the world or in your own heart, remember Nehemiah’s ancient promise: the joy of the Lord is your strength. Not your determination, not your achievements, not your ability to hold it all together—but His joy. It’s the strength we didn’t know we needed and it’s ours!
Yes, God’s heart is broken, sad, and troubled by what’s happening in the world. Just don’t let it have the final word. Biblical joy isn’t celebrating despite others’ suffering while doing nothing about it. It’s having a deep-rooted hope in God’s goodness that energizes us to enter into others’ pain and work for their relief. So spread the joy. Keep showing up, keep serving, and keep hoping on behalf of others. Joy — it’s our light shining in the darkness.
Nothing makes God happier than His joy in us and His creation! Celebrate God’s faithfulness, feast on His Word, and share this blessing with others. When grief threatens to overwhelm you, lift your eyes to the one who entered our darkness with unwavering joy, who endured the cross “for the joy set before him.” Let God’s joy—steady, deep, and eternal—become the strength that sustains you through this season.
Watching and waiting,
