|
|
Post by alon on Dec 4, 2013 16:44:02 GMT -8
Hope everyone had a Happy Chanukkah this year! Mine turned out OK; thanks to God the "kids" and grandkids all wanted to celebrate the holiday- that and that I didn't manage to burn down the house made it a very good time.  Here's a quote from Dr. Mitch Glaser of Chosen People Ministries that I think I'll share with my mainstream friends:"... without Hanukkah- there would be no Jesus. If the Jewish people had forfeited their Jewish identity, then how could a Jewish virgin in the first century give birth to a Jewish child who would be raised as a Jew to fulfill God's will for His life to be the atonement for our sins? I view the story of Hanukkah as another demonstration of God's unfolding plan of redemption, whereby He preserves the Jewish people so that His promises could be fulfilled."
Just some food for them to gnaw on for a bit ...  Dan C
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2013 5:20:19 GMT -8
Hope everyone had a Happy Chanukkah this year! Mine turned out OK; thanks to God the "kids" and grandkids all wanted to celebrate the holiday- that and that I didn't manage to burn down the house made it a very good time. Here's a quote from Dr. Mitch Glaser of Chosen People Ministries that I think I'll share with my mainstream friends: "... without Hanukkah- there would be no Jesus. If the Jewish people had forfeited their Jewish identity, then how could a Jewish virgin in the first century give birth to a Jewish child who would be raised as a Jew to fulfill God's will for His life to be the atonement for our sins? I view the story of Hanukkah as another demonstration of God's unfolding plan of redemption, whereby He preserves the Jewish people so that His promises could be fulfilled." Just some food for them to gnaw on for a bit ... Dan C I do celebrate Chanukah - only me at home though! 2013 for me marks 43 years of believing in Jesus. Of those years: 10 as an ordained Elder, 21 (today - 5th) in ordained full time ministry and 18 of those as being a Messianic gentile (ministering from a Messianic viewpoint). Of that total (43 years) 17 have been spent as an academic tutor - ceased in 2011... ...and I am still learning the job - and lots of gnawing :-) |
|
|
|
Post by alon on Nov 29, 2015 14:17:44 GMT -8
Erev Chanukkah this year (2015) is the Sunday, 6th of December. This is an important feast for Meshiachim, although not one of the 7 moedim of HaShem. I say that because in the Chanukkah story I see the kind of miracle we are facing today. The powers that be wanting to destroy us and our faith, the miracle of the Menorah which lights the sanctuary, our hearts and the world ... it all fits.
One of legends has it that they made a menorah of iron bars they found in the Temple. A more famous legend is when they searched the Temple, they only found one cruse of olive oil with the priestly stamp upon it. It was enough to fuel the lamps of the menorah for only one day, however It would take eight days before they could procure more kadosh olive oil fit for use in the menorah. Uncertain what they should do, they decided to keep the mitzvah of lighting the menorah as best they could. They lit it, expecting it to last the day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be obtained.
Note here they did what they could with what they had. They fashioned a menorah from iron on hand to replace the gold plated one absconded with by Antiochus. They couldn't keep the menorah burning for more than a day with the oil they had, so they lit it for a day! They didn't whine "I can't keep the whole mitzvoth perfectly, so I'll give up and come back when ya'll get your crap together." They kept what they could and left the rest to God! And in another outpouring of Old Testament grace, God did His part! Now if you can't see your own story in this, all I can say is you are not Meshiachim.
No matter whether we have a synagogue or are muddling through this pretty much on our own, we are fighting long odds. Most of us are making do with whatever we have and trying to keep the mitzvoth the best we can. Sometimes it seems we have only enough oil of the Ruach HaChodesh to make it through this day; yet miraculously the next we find the lamp of our life still full enough to get us through yet another day. At times we are discouraged, at others overjoyed, and still at others we witness the grace of God just enough to give us encouragement to go on.
I have been experiencing some serious health issues lately, and honestly I was starting to wonder if it was all worth it. But this last Shabbat HaShem once more showed me He has it all in His control. I missed some meds by well over an hour. Usually being more than 15 mins. late for this particular med would mean three days of Hellish misery; and I do not exaggerate! Yet I didn't even notice until I got home and my wife told me I had left my phone, which has my alarms on it. The pain, which came on gradually was more than just tolerable, and is subsiding now. This may not seem like much to you, but to me it is an early Chanukkah miracle! But the real miracle I see is when I come here and find just the few faithful Meshiachim; lamps in their own dark corners of the world. Not to downplay HaShem, because it is through His grace you are here; but you are more an encouragement to me than these private shows of His strength. Both are tremendously important to me, don't get me wrong. But being alone in this would be unbearable.
I see our small satellite group of Synagogue Beit Aveinu, which has never had enough men on any regular Shabbat to have a minion. I and others have invited scores of people, some claiming to be Messianic, yet no one ever comes. But we are constant and consistent; faithful to our calling. And I and others have spoken at other new synagogues, encouraging them in the faith; just as they have sent people to us for the same purpose. I can't know the results of these "missions," but I do know it is not for me to question God. I light the lamp, and it is up to God how long and how bright it will shine.
Watch for and acknowledge those small "miracles" of the Lord. Give Him praise when they happen. But treasure the fidelity of others on this path with you; whether family, friends, congregants, or just the faceless names on some forum few read and fewer still contribute to. God's economy is not in numbers- just ask the Maccabees! In fact, you should read 1 & 2 Maccabees for yourselves. And remember, even if yours is the only light, that makes it all that much more important!
Chanukkah sameach!
Dan C |
|
|
|
Post by Questor on Nov 29, 2015 21:58:26 GMT -8
Erev Chanukkah this year (2015) is the Sunday, 6th of December. This is an important feast for Meshiachim, although not one of the 7 moedim of HaShem. I say that because in the Chanukkah story I see the kind of miracle we are facing today. The powers that be wanting to destroy us and our faith, the miracle of the Menorah which lights the sanctuary, our hearts and the world ... it all fits. ...
I have been experiencing some serious health issues lately, and honestly I was starting to wonder if it was all worth it. But this last Shabbat HaShem once more showed me He has it all in His control. I missed some meds by well over an hour. Usually being more than 15 mins. late for this particular med would mean three days of Hellish misery; and I do not exaggerate! Yet I didn't even notice until I got home and my wife told me I had left my phone, which has my alarms on it. The pain, which came on gradually was more than just tolerable, and is subsiding now. This may not seem like much to you, but to me it is an early Chanukkah miracle! But the real miracle I see is when I come here and find just the few faithful Meshiachim; lamps in their own dark corners of the world. Not to downplay HaShem, because it is through His grace you are here; but you are more an encouragement to me than these private shows of His strength. Both are tremendously important to me, don't get me wrong. But being alone in this would be unbearable. [/p
I am praising YHVH exceedingly for your bump of good health. Perhaps you can lean hard in Yeshua and try delaying the meds again? I don't want you to test G-d...you don't need to. He has already done something, and I have found that the best way to hold onto a healing is to proclaim it to the world, and then press in hard. It hurts, though, as you know, and your situation is extreme, in my view, so perhaps press in gently?
May the season of light find you even better! |
|
|
|
Post by garrett on Nov 30, 2015 10:26:24 GMT -8
Erev Chanukkah this year (2015) is the Sunday, 6th of December. This is an important feast for Meshiachim, although not one of the 7 moedim of HaShem. I say that because in the Chanukkah story I see the kind of miracle we are facing today. The powers that be wanting to destroy us and our faith, the miracle of the Menorah which lights the sanctuary, our hearts and the world ... it all fits.
One of legends has it that they made a menorah of iron bars they found in the Temple. A more famous legend is when they searched the Temple, they only found one cruse of olive oil with the priestly stamp upon it. It was enough to fuel the lamps of the menorah for only one day, however It would take eight days before they could procure more kadosh olive oil fit for use in the menorah. Uncertain what they should do, they decided to keep the mitzvah of lighting the menorah as best they could. They lit it, expecting it to last the day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be obtained.
Note here they did what they could with what they had. They fashioned a menorah from iron on hand to replace the gold plated one absconded with by Antiochus. They couldn't keep the menorah burning for more than a day with the oil they had, so they lit it for a day! They didn't whine "I can't keep the whole mitzvoth perfectly, so I'll give up and come back when ya'll get your crap together." They kept what they could and left the rest to God! And in another outpouring of Old Testament grace, God did His part! Now if you can't see your own story in this, all I can say is you are not Meshiachim.
No matter whether we have a synagogue or are muddling through this pretty much on our own, we are fighting long odds. Most of us are making do with whatever we have and trying to keep the mitzvoth the best we can. Sometimes it seems we have only enough oil of the Ruach HaChodesh to make it through this day; yet miraculously the next we find the lamp of our life still full enough to get us through yet another day. At times we are discouraged, at others overjoyed, and still at others we witness the grace of God just enough to give us encouragement to go on.
This rings very true for me and my wife! Each day is provided with just enough to get by (and through). Friday nights and Saturdays are a haven. |
|
|
|
Post by alon on Nov 30, 2015 11:24:21 GMT -8
Thanks for the heads up...I was not expecting Channukah to be next week!!! At least I can dig out my new candles, and get ready.
Depends on the calendar you are using. I use the one most common with contemporary Judaism, however some sects just have to be different  .
Dan C
|
|
|
|
Post by Questor on Nov 30, 2015 12:20:53 GMT -8
Thanks for the heads up...I was not expecting Channukah to be next week!!! At least I can dig out my new candles, and get ready.
Depends on the calendar you are using. I use the one most common with contemporary Judaism, however some sects just have to be different .
Dan C
 |
|
|
|
Post by alon on Oct 8, 2017 13:45:57 GMT -8
Post moved to the right category. Even Moderators make mistakes ... 
|
|
|
|
Post by alon on Dec 6, 2019 5:03:14 GMT -8
Chanukah this year (2019) is Sun. night, Dec. 22 through Monday, December 30. Another year where we overlap with Christmas!
Might I suggest, a simple Chanukkiah (Chanukkah menorah) in the window would provide a stark contrast to all the gaudy lights on other houses. That said, it is the festival of lights, so if so inclined, go for it!
Just a reminder it's time to start planning to have a great, happy Chanukkah this year!
Dan(  ) C
|
|
|
|
Post by garrett on Dec 18, 2019 1:34:55 GMT -8
Chanukah this year (2019) is Sun. night, Dec. 22 through Monday, December 30. Another year where we overlap with Christmas!
Might I suggest, a simple Chanukkiah (Chanukkah menorah) in the window would provide a stark contrast to all the gaudy lights on other houses. That said, it is the festival of lights, so if so inclined, go for it!
Just a reminder it's time to start planning to have a great, happy Chanukkah this year!
Dan( ) C
Happy Hanukkah! |
|
|
|
Post by alon on Dec 10, 2020 18:13:13 GMT -8
Yeshua spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. The one who follows Me will no longer walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12
Chag Chanukkah sameach! Dan
|
|
|
|
Post by alon on Dec 18, 2022 10:32:02 GMT -8
It's 2022 and Chanukkah starts tonight! Sunday, December 18th. It ends at sundown, Dec 26th, so once again it encompases the Christian holiday of Christmas. So just a quick thought: it's ok to wish your Christian friends (and others) a "Merry Christmas." I've found it a.) puts them at ease if they know you are MJ and b.) can open doors of witness. Howso, you may ask ... and I'm glad you did!
When they wish me a Merry Christmas in return I tell them I celebrate Chanukkah. Tey may ask what it is, or why, either of which will open a conversation. Or they may look at you funny, which is a bit more difficult but can also open the door to conversation, during which you can explain why you keep "those Jewish holidays" instead of Christmas and Easter.
Just a thought. Regardless, if you do not know how to keep this holiday or were just wondering about it, go to the board titled "Moedim" and look for Chanukkah, then go there and read the threads in that sub-forum. A lot of good info there. And if you still have questions you can always ask here.
Chag Chanukkah sameach!
|
|
- there are 70 faces to 
. 
) C
