Today's Passage:  Nehemiah 12

In this passage we read of the dedication of the wall in Jerusalem.  After reviewing a list of names indicating which priests and Levites were present, we read of the rejoicing that took place.

With as much involvement as we have in sports, many of us are probably familiar with being part of a LOUD crowd, united by a team.  The crowd is loud when the supported team is not doing so well (or when an official is not doing so well) and it is even louder when the team is succeeding.  On this day of dedicating the wall, rejoicing was abundant.  The people were singing, sacrificing, and making a loud noise because of the joy God had given them.  In fact, this passage tells us that the rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard from far away.

As we begin a new year, consider all the things God has done for you in the past 12 months that give you cause to rejoice!  While your rejoicing may not be heard in the next town over, He has certainly blessed us and is deserving of our thanksgiving.  Be grateful for how He has taken care of you thus far, and rejoice in the anticipation of what He will do in the year to come!