Watch Focus – Hanukkah: Celebrate the Light of the World

This Sunday evening marks the beginning of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, marking the Jewish people’s victory over their enemies and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The priests only had one small cruse of oil to fuel the menorah. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days until fresh oil could be sanctified for Temple use. The miracle of Hanukkah is a prophetic symbol that in the midst of darkness, oppression, and destruction God has always reserved a remnant of people who are anointed with His Spirit, who will arise as light bearers to bring restoration in their generation. We remember our Jewish brothers and sisters, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem as we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World, the One who gives us His Spirit without measure for an ongoing supply at this time of year.

Additionally, all over the world, people’s eyes and hearts are turning toward Christmas as we recall the star that shone over the Holy Land, leading the wise men to worship the Lamb born in Bethlehem, Jesus, our Emanuel. We pause from all our endeavors to turn our hearts toward celebration, worship, and thanksgiving, and welcome the Advent season with joy. We celebrate God’s victory and miracles for His people!

Isaiah 9:6-7, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

Isaiah 60: 1-2, “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.”

Luke 1:35, “ And the angel answered and said to her, ’The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.’”

Matthew 4:16, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”

Matthew 2:1-2, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”

Numbers 24:17, “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult.”

Micah 5:2, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”

Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

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