On this fifth night of Chanukah, we expand on the Chanukah concept of light and recognize the gift of spiritual light and wisdom found in Messiah.
Messianic Jewish Chanukah Blessings
Place five 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. They should burn for a least half an hour.
Devotion
Chanukah is about a miracle of light. One of the ways the Bible uses the word light is to represent knowledge. It’s a metaphor that is still used today: we are “enlightened” when we have knowledge and understanding but we’re “in the dark” when we don’t.
In the Psalms, David refers to God’s Word as a lamp to light his way. A dark path conceals all kinds of dangers, but when we introduce light, we have information to guide our steps. Obstacles become visible and predators are exposed. We see where to find the level ground and what to avoid.
And so it is with the wisdom provided by God’s Word and His Spirit within us as Believers. God’s light is a generous gift to benefit us as we walk this life. The Bible reveals life hazards and dangers and shows us the straight road of His way. He gave us His Spirit to lead us to truth, and He promises to supply wisdom for the asking.
From the Lord’s Word
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
“For You light my lamp. The Lord my God illumines my darkness” (Psalm 18:28 NASB).
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ Is the One who has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Messiah” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
“But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13a).
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
For Reflection and Discussion
- How has your understanding and wisdom changed since coming to believe Jesus is the Messiah?
- When do you ask God for wisdom?
- Name a specific time when Scripture guided you to choose the right action or thoughts about a matter.
On this fifth night of Chanukah, we recognize God’s miraculous gifts of light – His wisdom and truth available to us through the pages of His Word and His Spirit within us.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the miracles of light: You sustained the Chanukah lamp for eight days; You gave us Messiah as the Light of the World; You give us Your Word to guide our path and Your Holy Spirit to lead us into truth. May we desire Your wisdom and guidance as we long for the light of day.
