Read Nehemiah 8:9-12
After many long years in exile in Babylon, the people of Judah finally were able to return home to their holy land and to Jerusalem. They were able to rebuild this holy city and the Temple under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Following the completion of the city wall, Ezra gathered the peple for a reading of the law. The readings reminded the people that it was time for the Celebration of the Festival of Booths. So Ezra, Nehemiah and other leaders instructed the people to go to their homes and celebrate the festival, drinking the sweet wine and eating the fat.
After such a long time in exile, it was a relief and a release to be able to celebrate--to have fun. It was a good thing that their leaders knew this was what they needed and understood that holiness and devotion to God not only includes sacred solemnity but also joy and celebration.
How does having fun at a festival honor God?
How does the "joy of the Lord" give us strength?
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