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Today is Wednesday, Dec. 18, 33 days before Inauguration Day. In this week’s Truth and Action Roundup, with Christmas quickly approaching, we offer our “Deep Breaths” spiritual resources at the start of the newsletter, which focuses on the theme of joy during this third week of Advent. On the news front, we report on Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s effort to get the Equal Rights Amendment enshrined in the Constitution before President Joe Biden leaves office, look at some of the 2024 presidential electors who are accused of felonies related to the 2020 election, and give an update on Congress’ efforts to avoid a government shutdown. We also provide an action resource for stopping the so-called “nonprofit killer bill” from becoming law.

— Rev. Adam Taylor and Rev. Moya Harris, Sojourners

Deep Breaths

Advent readings for today: Isaiah 11:1-9; Micah 4:8-13; Luke 7:31-35

Joy is not passive. It’s not something we wait for or stumble upon. Joy is an action — a choice we make when we lean into our love for God, for community, friends and family, and self. It is the laughter that rises through tears, the meal prepared with care, the song that stirs our hearts, and the small kindnesses that remind someone they are seen and cherished.

In a season that is full of mixed emotions, choosing joy becomes a sacred act. It is not a denial of hardship or uncertainty but a declaration of hope — a way of saying, “Life is still good, and God is still present.”

Take a moment to pause and breathe. Inhale gratitude for the joy already present in your life. Exhale whatever holds you back from embracing it fully.

Joy is more than a feeling; it is the intentional work of God’s love made visible. How will you choose joy today? Let this video move you in the right direction.

— Rev. Moya Harris, Director of Racial Justice, Sojourners

P.S. You can access previous Truth and Action Roundup playlists and videos here.

In the News

Here’s what we know at the time of writing:

1) Sen. Gillibrand of New York has been spearheading a push to convince the Biden administration to certify the Equal Rights Amendment before leaving office, which would enshrine its protections against sex-based discrimination in the Constitution. In 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA after it was first passed by Congress in 1972. This ratification pushed the ERA across the constitutional threshold to adopt a new amendment. However, if Biden were to take such a step, it could face legal challenges, as the ratification deadlines have lapsed and five states have rescinded their previous approval.

2) Eight presidential electors in Michigan and Nevada who officially cast their votes this week to send President-elect Donald Trump back to the White House were able to do so despite facing felony charges for their roles in the “fake electors” scheme following the 2020 election. Four years ago, they allegedly “sent false certificates to state and federal officials that claimed Trump had won their states’ electoral votes,” according to NPR. Trump’s legitimate wins of their states in last month’s election means they were able to cast legitimate Electoral College votes for him yesterday.

3) The federal government will shut down at 12:01 a.m. this Saturday unless Congress agrees on a short-term funding extension before then. Congress appeared to reach a last-minute deal yesterday that would extend funding until March 14 and includes a year-long extension of the farm bill, plus an additional $10 billion in aid for farmers and ranchers, among other provisions.

Take Action

Tell the Senate: Reject the “nonprofit killer bill” (H.R. 9495)! After passing the House last month, H.R. 9495 is currently awaiting action in the Senate. The bill would give Trump’s Treasury Department the power to strip tax-exempt status away from any organization it deems to be supporting terrorism. Check out this resource on how you can help defeat this harmful bill, including a detailed background and action toolkit.

The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff:
President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor
Director of Racial Justice: Rev. Moya Harris
Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson
Senior Adviser and Director to the President’s Office: Elizabeth Denlinger Reaves
Senior Director of Campaigns and Mobilizing: Sandy Ovalle Martínez
Director of Congregational Outreach & Education: Rev. Andrea Saccoccio
Digital Communications Associate: Lexi Schnaser
Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims

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