God's culture is all about family, and of gathering that family together. The unity of the gathered church presents a beautiful image to the rest of the world. When the church gathers, we celebrate and enjoy one another, and we also intentionally gather to God's word, with time set aside to hear and understand what God is calling us to be and to do together. Ezra and Nehemiah gathered God's people on the Day of Atonement, and they realigned themselves to God's word. Like the Jewish people on that day, when we are reminded together of God's word and God's purpose, both genuine repentance and deep joy strengthen our hearts. Tears and celebration may both be appropriate, and there is room for both! Ultimately, we can be a rejoicing people as we understand God's word to us through Christ!