The Hanukkah Miracle

It's Hanukkah, a holiday celebration I've always liked. Since so few of my students had an understanding of the holiday, I taught them about it every year. Guess you could consider it my little contribution to the understanding of Kentuckians for someone else, a group different from themselves.

Yet a few days ago, I heard a national newscaster say, "It's almost Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday about the dedication of a temple." That was ALL she said. Well, yes, it is, but it's SO MUCH MORE than that! It's about the MIRACLE that happened! It's people standing up for their faith. It's the little guy's victory over the big government, and a story about people that did the best they could with what they had. Above all, it's a reminder that God is with us.... ALL of us.

Way back, around  150-200 years before Jesus Christ was born, life was hard if you were Jewish in many areas, as we know from reading the history in the Torah and the Old Testament. In Jerusalem, the Syrian Army had taken over the city, the Jewish temple was turned into a temple honoring Zeus. (Unlike the Jews, the Syrians were Pagans, meaning they were polytheistic, believing in more than one god. Most believed in the Greek gods you read about today as mythology.)  The Jews were forced into slavery and their religion was forbidden. For many years, they kept their faith alive underground.

Finally, in 165 B.C.the a group led by the Maccabee family, went to war against them. This small group managed to drive the Syrian army out of Jerusalem and reclaim their temple. But it'd been defiled and they wanted to re-rededicate it to God. The temple had a menorah, an "eternal" flame, which of course, had been extinguished by the pagans. As it turned out, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to light the flame for one day. It took eight days to get more oil, but they did it anyway.

The Jewish temples had gold menorahs, a candlestick with 7 lamps. Only the center one that was kept burning. The other 6, 3 on each side, were only burned at night or during holy times. This was a design given to Moses by God. (You can read about it in Exodus 25) Most of these golden menorahs, found only in temples, were taken by invading Armies because they're valuable.

But that one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days! It was a miracle! This is why Jewish families today celebrate Hanukkah, a word meaning dedication, to remember the miracle that happened, and to encourage them to remain faithful. A Hanukkah menorah has nine candles... one for each night, plus one in the middle that is simply used to light the others. (The traditional menorah was only allowed inside the temple, so they had to create a different one for use at home.) During Hanukkah, families light a menorah, for the 8 days of Hanukkah. The center candle is lit, then readings are shared as they light one candle the first night, two the second night, etc. It is a time for family celebrations, holiday foods, and gift giving, as they remember the miracle.

The date of Hanukkah is based on the Jewish calendar, so the date fluctuates between late November through December.  It's NOT a "Jewish Christmas" as some would say, but a noble remembrance that dates back long before the birth of Christ. Indeed, Jesus Christ himself, a Jewish boy, probably lit the Menorah, played the dreidel games, ate special foods, and participated in readings reminding him of his Jewish heritage.

While not Jewish, I've loved the story of Hanukkah for many years, ever since I found out what it was about. I have an appreciation for the God of the Jews, MY God as well, and am inspired by these faithful people that stood up for God, and the right to worship Him. The miracle of the light is a part of the Jewish heritage, but a miracle we can all appreciate.

Expectations

As we near the end of the first week of Advent, the week of HOPE, I thought I'd share something from the first week of one of my favorite Advent books, He Shall Be Called Jesus.

Expectations

Matthew 1:22-23

“Hey! Something really awesome is coming soon. Get ready!” What would you think?  How would you prepare? You may believe it, but you might be cynical and say, “Oh sure, whatever.” Chances are, this has happened and it was different than expected. Maybe worse, maybe better, but different.

Yesterday, we talked about the prophecies. How would this Messiah save them? Where and when would this powerful King be born? Many speculated about him. Would he come with a big Army to overcome their oppressors? How would he overcome the wrongs? When? Somehow, a little baby born in an animal’s feed trough in an obscure little town just wasn’t quite what many wanted, or even imagined.

God works in mysterious ways. You have heard this many times. He provides in ways we can’t imagine at times. We might even argue! Yet we discover something, perhaps insight, or a new direction. He may inspire you to action. This change may be for your benefit or God could be using you for someone else. The challenge for you today is to be open to what God has in store for you, even things you never expected.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel" which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:22-23

What is Advent? 

from the book  

He Shall Be Called Jesus,  
which looks at the entire

 life of Jesus Christ, 
through the Advent lenses 
of hope, peace, joy, and love.

newly updated in 2012

Sunday's a Comin'

This is the last day of Lent, the day after we remember the crucifixion. It is still a somber occasion, even though we know the ultimate outcome. As we are preparing to celebrate Easter, our Jewish friends are observing Passover.

Years  ago, I heard a preacher do a sermon titled, "It's Friday, but Sunday's a Comin;" that I always think of this time of year. We hate the agony of the cross on Good Friday, but it's good that we remember it.

We need to acknowledge and consider the depth of the sacrifice made on our behalf.

But what of those that were there? Judas felt so awful for betraying Jesus that he threw the coins at the priests, and then hung himself in shame.

Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!" Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Matthew 27:3-5

Those guarding Jesus on the cross saw everything that happened when He died and realized that they had killed an innocent man, the Son of God.

Jesus was taken down from the cross, then placed in a borrowed tomb.  

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.

Matthew 27:57-60

The disciples feared that they would also be killed now that Jesus was gone. They hid together, waiting to see what would happen.

The Pharisees tried to save their reputation.

The chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. "Sir," they said, "We remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first."

Matthew 27:62-64

And Pontius Pilate went to great lengths to make SURE that the tomb was secure!

Pilate said to them, "You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.

Matthew 27:65-66

Yes, it was indeed a somber and frightening time for all those that knew and loved Jesus. Those that had betrayed Him, especially the religious officials, were probably nervous. The disciples were devastated and feared for their own safety.

However, in the back of our minds, unlike those that witnessed it, we know that "Sunday's a Comin'" and that Jesus overcame death, coming back to life on the third day.

When things seem darkest, then and now, God provides and uses unseen possibilities we cannot even imagine.

from my book, "Living What We Believe"

The Scripture of the Crucifixion

It is Good Friday, good because of what was made possible on this day, yet was the darkest, most tragic day imaginable at the time.  Here is an account, from the scriptures, so that we might remember. 

And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. 

Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet:“They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”

Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him:

THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.

Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This Man is calling for Elijah!”

Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. The rest said, “Let Him alone;  see if Elijah will come to save Him.”                                               

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.            

Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

          Matthew 27:33-54

Holy Week: The Week That Changed History

Praises by the crowds filled the air as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Just as Mary rode a donkey into Bethlehem before He was born, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on one before death, fulfilling prophecy.

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey”     Zechariah 9:9

Jesus was greeted as a King, with people spreading their coats and palm leaves on the path. “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” they shouted.

We celebrate this day, calling it Palm Sunday, in memory of the palm leaves they used. Today, the children usually make a processional, waving palm leaves joyously.   A week later, we celebrate Easter, the day our Savior was resurrected. But in between, the days changed the course of history. Jesus continued to teach as He was hassled by the religious leaders.  He was even betrayed.

And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.  So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.   Luke 22:2-6

As they observed a Passover meal, Jesus told of a new covenant, and of the sacrifice they couldn’t understand. He gave us the Lord’s Supper and reminded us to love others. We commemorate this on Maundy Thursday.  Afterwards, Jesus models true willingness to follow God’s will as He prayed in the Garden. Unfortunately, scriptures also tell us of the betrayals, false accusations, and the mockery of a trial that followed.

But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!”Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”  So Peter went out and wept bitterly.    Luke 22: 60-62

But all of these things had to happen. The same crowds that praised Him earlier, shouted cries of “Crucify Him!” a short time later.

Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them.  But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!”   Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.”   Luke 23:20-22

The week began with cries of, “Hosanna!” but they turned on Him and the week ended in despair, without a hint of what was to come on the third day.  It makes us wonder, “Do we praise God one day, then do things that disappoint him, or even betray Him, the next?”

from my book, '"Living What We Believe"   (reading for day 35)

Jesus' List

Sometimes, we think life would be wonderful if we could always be on the mountaintop, or in other words, living a life of joy without problems. But if that were always the case, would we even appreciate the good times if we had nothing else to compare them to? 

Life has the sad and hard times as well, but in a way, they are the times of blessings. For it is in these times that we find ourselves seeking a closer relationship with God. It is in the valleys of life where we discover the blessing of strength to continue by relying on God. 

Having lupus has led to many serious problems in my life, yet in a way, it has been a blessing. Would I have become as close to God if I had not had such worries? 

A friend of mine posted this list, a good reminder for us all. It's written as a list from Jesus.

If you never felt pain, then how would you know 
that I am a Healer?  

If you never had to pray, how would you know 

that I am a Deliverer?

If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself 
an overcomer?

If you never felt sadness, how would you 
understand joy?

If you never made a mistake, how would you know 
that I am a forgiver?

If you knew all, how would you know 
that I will answer your questions?

If you never were in trouble, how would you know 
that I will come to your rescue

If you never were broken, then how would you know 
that I can make you whole again?

If you never had a problem, how would you know 
that I can solve them?

If you never had any suffering, then how would you know 
what I went through?

If you never went through the fire, then how would 
you become pure?

If I gave you all things, how would you 
appreciate anything?

If I never corrected you, how would you 
know that I love you?

If you had all power, then how would you 
learn  to depend on me?

If your life was perfect, then what would you need me for?

Love, Jesus