Menorah in window sill We said goodbye to a fantastic group on Thursday night as they finished up their life-changing study trip with us through the land of the Bible. We hope to catch up and post more pictures and stories from that trip soon but you can find some pictures that were posted along the way at: www.facebook.com/travelthetext
After saying goodbye to the group, our little family had some time in the Old City of Jerusalem as Shabbat began during this season of Hanukkah. Candles flickered in doorways, window sills, and rooftops; ultra orthodox men danced with loud joyous chanting in the Cardo and fireworks went off over the Old City as the large Hanukkiahs (8-branched candelabrum) were lit. It was a great night to be in this city!
After saying goodbye to the group, our little family had some time in the Old City of Jerusalem as Shabbat began during this season of Hanukkah. Candles flickered in doorways, window sills, and rooftops; ultra orthodox men danced with loud joyous chanting in the Cardo and fireworks went off over the Old City as the large Hanukkiahs (8-branched candelabrum) were lit. It was a great night to be in this city!
 The fourth light was lit Friday night as Shabbat began. Special glass boxes held candle light on many doorways in the Jewish quarter of the old city in Jerusalem lighting up the ancient streets. |  |
The celebration of Hanukkah finds its roots between the Old and New Testament time periods and celebrates the miraculous provision of oil for the menorah in the Temple during the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century B.C. Though only enough for one night, the special olive oil for Temple use lasted eight, providing enough time to make new oil. This miracle is celebrated every year, and is known as the Festival of Lights. (You can read previous Hanukkah entries here, here, and here.)
Much like the tension we face today, the Jews back then wrestled with how much culture could influence their worship. With the Seluecid kings from the east siding with the more moderate Jews, disagreements turned into conflicts and war. The traditional Jews won back their land and Temple, only to find so much had been desecrated through pagan sacrifice already. What did they do? They sought to make things right - rebuilding the altar and rekindling the menorah (candelabrum). The oil on reserve should have lasted only one night, but instead it lasted eight, providing the Jews with the time needed to make new kosher oil.
Though Hanukkah is not a feast prescribed in the Old Testament, we see evidence of Jesus participating in this celebration in the New Testament. In John 10:22 Jesus is in Solomon's Colonnade during the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah), arguing with the religious leaders about who He is and what He is doing.
Hanukkah reveals distinction. Light shines in the darkness, and the brighter the light, the more darkness is dispelled. It's important in our own lives to find those areas where perhaps we have blended in just a little too much with our culture that we have lost our witness - our distinction. Consider the clothes you buy - where were they made? How much of you do they cover? Did you buy them for the brand name? Or maybe you've discovered the small lies you tell. Are they to save face? How do they cause harm? How have you changed because of them? And perhaps it's the food you eat. Is it a healthy amount? Is it good for you? Does it come from reliable and sustainable sources?
The point of Hanukkah boils down to this: Do you look differently than those around you? Because you're supposed to. It's what Jesus called you to.
As you celebrate this Christmas season with the lights on the tree, remember that the Light of the World came to show you what it means to live life to the fullest. Soak up the moments, enjoy time with family, and don't forget the miracle of Jesus. His light shines much longer than the eight nights of Hanukkah or the month or two of Christmas. He shines eternally. Through YOU!
