Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.” Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
—Nehemiah 8:10-12

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Rejoice This Holy Day
By Jennifer Kane

Let’s Rejoice!
For the joy of the Lord is your strength,
a light that cuts through the shadows of grief.
Today is holy—
a day to feast on the goodness of God,
to drink deeply of sweet mercy.
Do not grieve,
for the Word has been made known,
and in its truth, we find our peace.

So Rejoice!
He calls you one, He calls you all,
to open your hands, to give, to share—
to those who have nothing prepared,
to those weary from the road,
to those longing for joy.
This holy day is a banquet,
where heaven meets earth,
and all are invited.

Let’s Rejoice!
For Christ has come,
the door of heaven stands open wide.
No longer do we fear the grave;
peace has spoken,
and love reigns.
Today is a day to celebrate,
to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Lift your hearts,
let your soul sing with thanksgiving:
The Word became flesh,
the promise fulfilled,
and we are blessed forevermore.

Rejoice!
For this is a holy day.

~~~~~

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10-12, Luke 2

On Christmas Day, the message of joy echoes through the carols we sing, the scriptures we read, and the stories we share. Nehemiah 8:10-12 reminds us of the profound joy that comes when we understand God’s Word, even when that Word first convicts us.

In Nehemiah’s time, the people wept as they heard the Law. They were grieved by their sin and moved by the holiness of God. This sorrow, though appropriate, was not meant to linger. Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Levites redirected the people, urging them to turn their focus to God’s grace and rejoice in His work in their lives. They declared, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

This truth is magnified at Christmas. The birth of Jesus, our Savior, is the ultimate reason for joy. Like the people of Nehemiah’s day, we may feel the weight of our failures as we reflect on the holiness of God. Yet the message of Christmas is not one of condemnation but of redemption. The angel proclaimed, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

Christmas invites us to embrace the joy of the Lord. It is a time to recognize that Jesus came to save us, not condemn us (John 3:17). His birth signifies God’s great work: the incarnation of grace and truth (John 1:14).

As the people in Nehemiah’s time understood the Word and rejoiced greatly, we too are called to rejoice because we understand the greatest gift ever given—Jesus Christ. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances or emotions. It is rooted in the truth that God’s love is steadfast, His mercy is endless, and His salvation is sure.

Just as the people in Nehemiah’s day celebrated with food and drink, take time to enjoy the blessings God has provided. Share those blessings with others, especially those in need.

Spend time today reflecting on the scriptures that speak of Christ’s birth, like Luke 2 or Matthew 1. Let the truth of God’s Word bring joy to your heart.

Declare His Joy! Share the good news of Jesus with someone. Like the shepherds who told of the angels’ message, proclaim the reason for your joy.

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Father, on this Christmas Day, we are overwhelmed by Your goodness. Thank You for sending Jesus, our Savior, who brings us joy that strengthens us and peace that surpasses all understanding. As we celebrate today, help us to turn our hearts to You, rejoicing greatly because of the Word made flesh. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

December 25 2025