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Today is Friday, Dec. 20, 31 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 look at Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump’s latest foray into the federal spending debate and the resultant likelihood of a government shutdown tonight, a Teamsters strike at Amazon facilities around the country, and the way some faith leaders are tying the Christmas story to the challenges of migrant people with the second Trump administration on the horizon. We also provide opportunities to act on the gun violence epidemic and an upcoming vigil for democracy on Jan. 5 that you can attend in person or virtually.

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

Deep Breaths

Advent reading for today: Psalm 80:1-7; Isaiah 42:10-18; Hebrews 10:32-39

Shirley Caesar’s “This Joy” offers a universal message about the power of joy that comes from within. The refrain, “The world didn’t give it / the world can’t take it away,” speaks to a deep, enduring joy rooted in faith, purpose, or personal strength — one that remains unshaken by life’s challenges. For generations, joy has been a tool of resilience for marginalized communities, who have faced systemic oppression yet found ways to thrive spiritually, emotionally, and culturally.

This song reminds us that true joy is different from fleeting happiness. It is a sustaining force that empowers us to endure hardships, celebrate victories, and envision a better future. Caesar’s words inspire all of us to focus on what cannot be taken away — our values, our identity, and the strength we draw from within — making joy a source of hope and renewal for everyone. To experience the full power and spirit of Shirley Caesar’s message, you can listen to “This Joy” and let its uplifting melody and lyrics inspire you.

— 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) The federal government will enter a state of partial shutdown at midnight tonight barring any last-minute developments after Elon Musk and Donald Trump shot down the bipartisan temporary spending deal Congress was preparing to pass. It’s now unclear what sort of deal is needed to prevent a government shutdown, dramatically raising the odds that the government will shut down right before Christmas.

2) The Teamsters union announced yesterday that workers would begin striking at several major Amazon facilities across the country, in what the union is describing as the “largest strike against Amazon in American history.” The Teamsters have accused Amazon of refusing to bargain with its workers. It’s unclear how long the strike will last or what impact it might have on holiday deliveries; Teamsters President Sean O’Brien said: “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed.”

3) Amid the incoming Trump administration’s threats to conduct mass deportations of migrant people, some Catholic and evangelical leaders are using Christmas services this year to focus on Mary and Joseph’s immigration struggle, offering hope to migrant people today. These churches plan to emphasize that Jesus’ family experienced the hardships and uncertainty of migration in fleeing to Egypt and call on the church to continue to be a place of refuge in the months and years ahead.

Take Action

Take action to end the gun violence crisis! Amid shootings at Christian schools in Wisconsin and California this month and 39 school shootings this year overall, ending the gun violence epidemic in the United States remains an urgent moral, faith, and public health issue. This toolkit from the American Academy of Pediatrics provides a variety of informational and advocacy resources to help you make an impact.
Join us at the fourth annual “Faith in Democracy” Interfaith Prayer Vigil streaming and in person on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Sunday Jan. 5 at 3:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by Sojourners, the Franciscan Action Network, and Faith in Peace Concerts, this vigil will feature faith leaders sharing why their faith compels them to pursue democracy, peace, and justice at this critical time in our nation. For more information, to register to attend, or to watch the stream for this event, click here.

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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