On this seventh night of Chanukah, we consider another miracle of light and the blessing of shining it forth.
Messianic Jewish Chanukah Blessings
Place seven 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
As we look at Chanukah and its miracle of light, we can’t forget the remarkable fact that God uses us to shine His light into the world. He places His Spirit inside each one who puts their faith in Jesus as the Messiah. And His light in us reveals Him to those around us. When we love as the Bible commands us and serve selflessly as Jesus did, we display God’s goodness and point a hurting world to Him.
New Covenant Scriptures call us to live by the power of God’s Spirit in us rather than from our old nature and our own strength. As we do, we exhibit the characteristics of His Holy Spirit, and His marvelous light shines forth into a world darkened by sin. (See Galatians 5:16, 22–25 and 1 Peter 2:9).
From the Lord’s Word
“So that you might be blameless and innocent, children of God in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. Among them you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).
“For once you were in darkness, but now in union with the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a lampstand so it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).
For Reflection and Discussion
- What do you think Jesus’ light shining through Believers looks like to non-Believers?
- How has God used His light in another Believer to shine on your life?
- What is one time you think He shined His light into another person’s life through you?
On this seventh night of Chanukah, we give thanks for the honor of shining God’s light into a dark world.
Prayer
Father of Lights, thank You for giving us Your Spirit and the privilege of revealing You to others as You live in us. Help us to abide in You, remaining close so that we will walk each day by Your Spirit, not falling into the ways of our old nature. May we seek Your presence hour by hour and lean in to hear Your voice. Help us to be quick to obey You so that nothing hinders Your light from shining brightly through us to a world starving for light.
