From the Desk of Jeff King

Light of the world

Jews refer to the middle branch of the Hanukkah menorah, called a hanukkiah, as the servant branch. Messiah is the servant candle that lights the rest of the candles. Yeshua of Nazareth observed Hanukkah during His earthly ministry as recorded in John 10:22.

This minor holiday in Judaism celebrates a military victory and the rededication of the Jerusalem temple; a one-day supply of ritual oil miraculously burned for eight days according to Talmudic legend. Jewish historians believe the first Hanukkah was a belated Sukkot celebration. The Maccabean revolt against the Syrian-Greeks had prevented the Jews from observing this divinely-ordained festival in the fall month of Tishri.

Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles, points to a future day when redeemed man will dwell with the God of Israel forever. That marriage was made possible by the blood atonement of Messiah Yeshua, who likely was conceived during Hanukkah and born during the fall Biblical feasts. Hanukkah also is called the Festival of Lights. As the servant branch, Yeshua declares in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

Like Sukkot, Hanukkah is celebrated eight days. Today is day five. May the light of Yeshua warm your hearts and home.

Posted by Jeff King at December 25, 2008 12:05 PM