On this second night of Chanukah, we reflect on another miracle of light – Jesus.
Messianic Jewish Chanukah Blessings
Place two candles in the chanukiah tonight, setting them in the holders from right to left. As you light the Shamash, or Servant Candle, recite the Messianic Jewish Chanukah blessings:
Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and has given us Yeshua the Messiah, the Light of the World.
Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.
Candle Lighting
Using the Shamash, light the Chanukah candles in the opposite direction from which you placed them in the holders. Light them from left to right. Return the Shamash to its place. Let the candles go out on their own, and they should burn for a least half an hour.
Devotion
Through another miracle, the birth of Jesus, God sent His Messiah to live among us as Emmanuel, “God with us.” During His ministry, Yeshua (Jesus) proclaimed that He is the Light of the World (John 8:12).
Into a world darkened by evil, Jesus came to shine God’s light and show us the Father. What humility he had, to be born a baby, grow up and live among sinful humanity. His coming brought us bright hope for our desperate condition as sinners separated from God. Through Him, Believers have fellowship with God and the sure promise of eternal life.
From the Lord’s Word
“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).
“Now this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you – that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
“As light I have come into the world, so that everyone who trusts in Me should not remain in darkness” (John 12:46).
For Reflection and Discussion
- What touches you most about the miracle of Jesus being Emmanuel?
- Have you ever experienced utter darkness, where even the faintest light was absent? How did it make you feel?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Light of the World?
On this second night of Chanukah, we rejoice in the Chanukah miracle and the Light of the World. We thank God that He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light in Jesus (1 Peter 2:9).
Prayer
Father, thank You for sending Your Son as the Light of the World. What a gift that we can know Your love for us and walk in a personal relationship with You because Jesus was born and died to deliver us from sin. Lord, You are so good. You are love, and You are light. Thank You for saving us and bringing us near to You in forgiveness. May You reveal Yourself to us more each day as we seek You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.
