Light is often used in the Bible to describe G-d’s people as
His illuminators 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 to 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: “Let your light shine before men so that
they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew
5:16 TLV).
G-d is always looking for people to shine His truth into His world.
Chanukah relates a low point in the history of Israel. The Jewish leadership in Jerusalem was living “lightless” among the Greek Syrians, following their pagan traditions and assimilating even some of their beliefs. A few faithful Jews refused to go along and so persecution came about against those Jewish people who refused to “get with” the Greek program; those faithful Jewish people chose to live as persecuted light rather than as prosperous darkness. Their actions led to a great victory for G-d and a spiritual revival for Israel. It is this rededication to G-d to live as a Jewish light among the nations that we celebrate at Chanukah.
What a responsibility and privileged it is for us to live as lights for the Light of the World: Messiah Yeshua! This month, with everything going on both here and overseas, reflect deeply about what this personally means for you and how you can be someone who spiritually lights up a room!
Forward for Messiah!
Kirk Gliebe
Rabbi & Director
