Monday, December 5, 2016

Living as Lights


I confess! I love Holiday lights. The sparkles, the flashing … all works to elevate my spirit in the midst of December’s dark skies and cold weather. Recently in my conversation with a non-Messianic Jewish friend we were discussing the lack of Chanukah lights in comparison to Christmas lights. I reminded him that this is simply because in Jewish tradition Chanukah was never a big public event until Jewish tradition bumped into American marketing.

Light is an important symbol in the Scriptures. It most often has the spiritual meaning of G-d’s illumination: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 TLV). Many times the word is used specifically by G-d to challenge His people to live as His illumination in the world. When G-d called Israel, He called them to be His light to the Nations: “I, Adonai, called you in righteousness, I will take hold of your hand, I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light for the nations.” (Isaiah 42:6 TLV). Messiah Yeshua, when speaking to his talmidim in Matthew 5:14, also made this point, calling them to be the light of the world! He then added: “In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16 TLV). 

G-d is always looking for people to shine His truth into His world!

What an awesome responsibility and privilege it is for us to live as lights for the Light of the World: Messiah Yeshua! Give thought this month to what this truly means and how you can be someone who lights up a room, spiritually speaking!

Chappy Chanukah & Merry Messiahmas!

Kirk Gliebe
Rabbi & Director