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
