Holiday Mirrors: What Hanukkah and Christmas Have in Common. The rich tradition and theological substance of holidays like Hanukkah bind us together as a community. Why wouldn’t we want to remember and celebrate an event that caused heaven’s armies to pause and erupt in lavish praise? As much as the Nativity and Hanukkah have some profound differences, they also have some deep similarities. As such, they both deserve a place in our practice and our communal storytelling.
Chanukah is a time of joy and celebration for Jewish people all over the world. It is a season of hope—the confident belief that our future will be better than our past. As followers of Yeshua-Jesus, we have a reason to celebrate: the Light of the world dwells within us. I invite you to join me as we take a closer look at this holiday and consider its meaning on a spiritual and personal level.
For most of the last 2,000 years, the Church has not focused much on the biblical Jewish holidays. This historical fact can leave many Gentile followers of Yeshua, wondering, “Why should I celebrate the Jewish holidays?” This question is excellent, and I think it presents an opportunity to grow and learn.
Are You a Wannabe or a Maccabee? “It was now winter, and Yeshua was in Jerusalem at the time of Chanukah, the Festival of Dedication.” (John 10:22) What the world needs more than ever are heroes. There are many Wannabes but few Maccabees. Let me explain. The story of Hanukkah reads like a fairy-tale. A wicked, Greco-Babylonian [...]
Taken for a Spin “And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be—“The Lord is one, ”And His name one.” (Zech. 14:9) One of the main messages of Hanukkah is for us to examine our hearts and ask: What are we trusting in? Are we trusting in our own abilities […]
Get Lit “It was now winter, and Yeshua was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication.” – John 10:22 In John 10, Yeshua is in Jerusalem for the celebration of Hanukkah. Prior to that, in John 9, he performs a miracle for the man who has been blind since birth. Right before […]
Stay Lit “You are the light of the world–like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden” Matthew 5:14 Hanukkah and the celebration of the light of the Messiah must remind you that He has hand-chosen you before the foundations of the world to embark on a journey into the fullness of your destiny. […]
Why Do We Light the Chanukah Menorah? Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights and celebrates a great miracle God performed for our ancestors. After defeating Antiochus Epiphanies, the Jewish people led by the Maccabees cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem of pagan idols and re-lit the Menorah, the seven-branched candelabra. There was only enough [...]
The Mystery of the Hidden Light The first time God speaks in Genesis He says, “Let there be light, and there was light.” (Gen. 1:3). But what light is this referring to since the sun, moon, and stars were not created until day four? One answer that the ancient Jewish commentators give to this question […]
Still Spinning You are not far from the kingdom of God. – Matthew 19:16 Once we understand that the focus of Hanukkah is re-dedicating ourselves to God, we can begin to go deeper and get a better picture of how to re-center our lives on the Messiah. Let’s explore the Hebrew letters on the four […]
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What is Fusion with Rabbi Jason?
It is in looking back at what God has done that we can see forward to His future plans for us. “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jer 29:11.
At Fusion Global with Rabbi Jason Sobel, we want to add definition to your faith as we restore the lost connection to our ancient roots and rediscover our forgotten inheritance.
