For eight days, followers of Yahweh celebrate the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22), also known as Hanukkah or The Festival of Lights.

Here’s a short summary in case you’re new to the celebration:

Between the time of the Old testament and New Testaments, Jerusalem was overtaken by Syria. The ruler Antiochus defiled the Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar and spilling their blood over the Torah scrolls. The new government demanded the Jews worship pagan gods and even erected the statues in the temple. A family of men – led by Judah Macabee, revolted. They chose to only worship the Lord Yahweh and to fight back. They cleaned, reclaimed, and rebuilt the temple. Then they rededicated it to Yahweh. (This is where Feast of Dedication comes in. – See John 10)

Tradition says, when it came time for the priests to light the Eternal Flame (representing the presence of God), there was only a small amount of oil that hadn’t been defiled. It was enough oil for one night. It would take 7 days for more holy oil to be prepared. The one cruise of oil kept the flame for eight nights until new oil was brought in. (This is where the Festival of Lights comes in.)

As a believer in Jesus, I’ve celebrated Jesus as the fulfillment of this festival of Lights. He came into the world as The Light that shines in darkness (John 1). We light the candles and we play the games. We laugh and we feast and enjoy each other’s company. Sometimes we give gifts. 

This year something changed for me as I pondered other meanings behind this festival, specifically repentance, reclaiming and re-dedication. I found myself on a personal journey of reflection. 

I invite you to join me as I unpack simple yet profound points I’ve found this year. Since today marks day three of the festival, I’ll post a simple thought each of the five remaining days.

Each day is broken into three short sections:
A simple concept to consider with Holy Spirit.
An action step
A verse to ponder/pray.

Enjoy…

Day 1 Rejoice!

This is a feast/festival! Often when I think about going on a journey with the Lord, I don’t always go with a heart of joy. Sometimes, I enter into the time of discipline or heart care dreading what might be a challenging process. The other day, I heard the Lord whisper, “You treat me as if I am a harsh task master.” My heart grew tender and I remembered the truth: He is a good Father and a good Shepherd. He gently leads those who belong to Him. What’s more, Jesus promises us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. So anything He asks of us, He gives to us, first. (Think of a parent giving a child money, so that the child can buy the parent a birthday gift.) If He reveals areas of pain in our hearts, He intends to bring his healing to those areas. We need not do these things alone, Dear One. Joyfully, we can enter into this time with Him. Knowing He is both the Provider and the Provision.

Act: Ask Jesus to show you the delight He takes in calling you His daughter or son. Ask Him to reveal the ways he shares that delight with you daily?

Grab a journal or the notes app on your phone and jot down what He says.

Ponder/Pray: Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12

I look forward to joining you on this journey of dedication… I’ll meet you back here, tomorrow.

If you have thoughts to share, feel free to comment.