“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.”
— Nehemiah 8:10

You’ve heard of Deck the Halls—how about Deck the WALLS?

It’s the 5th century BCE, and the Israelites are back home after years in exile. The Temple has been rebuilt, and Ezra the priest has helped reconnect the people to their spiritual roots. But something is still missing.

Jerusalem itself is a wreck. The once-proud city lies in shambles, its walls crumbled, its gates burned. The people live there, but it’s not home.

That’s where Nehemiah comes in. He’s still living in Persia, but when a friend tells him about Jerusalem’s sorry state, Nehemiah’s heart breaks. He knows he’s got to do something.

He asks the king for permission to go home and rebuild the city. Not only does the king say yes, but he also appoints Nehemiah as governor of the region and provides him with supplies for the work.

Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem and inspects the walls by night. It’s worse than he imagined. Determined, he rallies the people to act. Families, laborers, nobles—everyone pitches in. In just 52 days of strenuous work, they rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem.

The people gather in the town square to celebrate, and Ezra stands before them to read from the Torah. But instead of cheering, the people start to weep. As they hear God’s Law, they realize how far they’ve strayed, how much they’ve fallen short of their covenant with God.

And that’s when Nehemiah steps up. “Stop the crying!” he declares. “This isn’t a funeral—it’s a party for God! Go eat something good, drink something sweet, and share with those who have nothing. This day is holy, and the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

And celebrate they did.

Scripture doesn’t tell us they decorated the walls, but I like to imagine it: oil lamps glowing, garlands of greenery draped along the stones, banners rippling in the wind—all in dedication to the God who made it possible.

What about us?

Are you wondering what’s worth celebrating this Christmas? Maybe your life–or our world–feels a bit in shambles. But Nehemiah’s story reminds us that God keeps showing up, inspiring people to come together and build something holy.

That little baby in the manger grows up to remind us that “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). That’s not a once-a-year reason to celebrate—it’s the daily, ongoing work of building God’s Kingdom together.

Nehemiah was a heck of a foreman, but as you decorate your walls this year—whether with lights, wreaths, or stockings—raise a toast to Christ:

The Architect.

Have a great week,

Mitch