Scripture:
“You are the Salt of the Earth, but if the salt loses its flavour,
how shall it be seasoned. It is then
good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the LIGHT of the world. A city that is set on the hill cannot be
hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and
put it under a basket, but on a lampstead, and it gives light to all who are in
the house. Let your light shine before
men, so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” –
Matthew 5: 13-16
“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the
world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were
evil. For everyone practicing evil
hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be
exposed. But he who does the truth comes
to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in
God.” – John 3:19-21
Reflection:
I happened to attend one
evening what was called a Chanukah Jam held in one of the oldest synagogues in
downtown Toronto. In a community
filled with markets, cafes, clubs, and hipster hangouts, right in the middle of
it all was this historic edifice that resembled a time no long ago where
Kensington Market was the hub of Jewish life and culture for the immigrants who
chose to live a better life with their traditions and faith in Toronto.
In this time of
year, I look forward to a time where one of my Jewish friends would invite me
to an event where I feast on the delicacies such as jelly-filled donuts and
freshly made potato latkes from the frying pan served with sour cream and apple
sauce. In God’s blessing, my wish came
true. I celebrated this holiday in a
historic location, with a bunch of new Jewish friends who are trying to revive
the culture and livelihood of the Jewish experience in the 21st
century.
Close to the end of
the night, was probably the most emotional, spiritual and life impacting
experience that I have ever encountered that shaped my faith as a
believer. As a collective group we used
our candles to light the menorah. I had
to hold back tears but unfortunately had to let it all out because I was really
moved by the men singing a Hebrew song that set the moment in a spiritual plane
for me. It signified belonging. It signified triumph. It signified that we have crossed over, and
we are going to keep crossing over to newer territories by the grace of God.
Chanukah, known as
a festival of lights, is also known as the Feast of Dedication, or a festival
of lights. For eight days, Jewish
people light candles to reflect the great miracle of the Maccabean priests who
had a little bit of oil to last for a day that it kept burning for a whole week
by God’s grace. After this whole week,
the great battle has been fought and the victory has been won.
In reflection of
all this, there is another festival that falls for those that believe in Jesus,
and that is Christmas. This time, the
light of the world comes through the form of a baby born in Bethlehem by the name
of Yeshua, or Jesus. He would be born
to redeem mankind from its sins and illuminate the world through his grace,
power and truth.
In a season where
there is so much celebration and anticipation for the pomp and circumstance of
it all with family, gift giving and commercialism, we tend to forget the real
spiritual meanings that these festivals signify. These festivals are meant to remind us that
it is all about the gift of light found in Jesus and receiving the gift of
light and love through a dynamic relationship with him through his Spirit. Maybe this time of year you want a PlayStation
4, an LCD TV, fine clothes, some money, etc.
Have you ever considered that the greatest gift you may ever need is
found in the person of Christ and that it is free to begin with? There is no price tag because Christ
purchased his salvation on a cross 2000 years ago. The only stipulation for you is to believe
and receive in the work of Christ, repent of your sins, and life your life anew
in him. Then you can really experience
a Happy Chanukah and a Merry Christmas.
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