Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration.
- from Esther 9:20-22

Look at the people taking time to celebrate. God has provided a rescue for them. They have relief from their enemies, even if only for a short while. Of course they will rejoice and be glad!

The discipline of celebration is especially important for people in exile. Celebration makes the good time last longer. Celebration kindles hope. Celebration catches the echoes of celebrations past and points to celebrations in the future. And celebration loudly proclaims that – though we may be in exile – God is still with us.

Mordecai’s leadership quality shines through in this passage. When the dark storm clouds have passed, he encourages the people to enjoy the sunlight. He brings everything together and makes sure everyone know the full story. And he presses them to pause and bear witness to God’s faithfulness.

Where can you speak of God’s faithfulness and bear witness to his goodness in your life?