Everything in the Temple attested to God’s holiness and purity. That’s why the desecration of His dwelling place was so grievous. Even the oil burning in the menorah had to be pure and consecrated.
The presence of idols in His holy Temple along with false worship and impure sacrifices was so offensive to the Israelites that they were eager to make things right. When there wasn’t enough oil to last more than one day, God affirmed the desire of His people to honor Him, and He provided the way. He made one day of oil last eight days, the amount of time required for more to be purified.
No one is pure enough to be in God’s presence. But He provided the way. He sent His Son Yeshua (Jesus) to die in our place and exchange our guilt for His righteousness. Because of Yeshua’s pure sacrifice, we have fellowship with the God of Israel, the God who is Love and Light Himself (1 John 1:5, 4:8).
This is the Good News, the best news. It never gets old because the richness of God’s love and mercy are so deep that new encounters with them await us every day.
On this seventh night of Chanukah, we thank God for His goodness and purity, and we express our gratitude that he provided the way for us to know Him, through His Son, Yeshua.
Messianic Jewish Chanukah Blessings
Place seven candles in the chanukiah tonight, setting them in the holders from right to left. As you light the Servant Candle (Shamash), recite the 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 Servant Candle, 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.
Scripture Readings
“Holy, holy, holy, is Adonai-Tsvaot! The whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3 TLV).
“But now God’s righteousness apart from the Torah has been revealed, to which the Torah and the Prophets bear witness – namely, the righteousness of God through putting trust in Messiah Yeshua, to all who keep on trusting. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:21-23 TLV).
“So then, through the transgression of one, condemnation came to all men. Likewise, through the righteousness of One came righteousness of life to all men” (Romans 5:18 TLV).
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 TLV).
Prayer
Holy Father, thank You for wanting us so much that You provided the way for us to be with You. Thank You, Yeshua, for offering Your purity as a sacrifice for our sin so that we could draw near to the Most Holy God. May we dedicate ourselves to living for You and letting our light shine so that others will glorify and worship You.
Get the Chanukiah
This original design is unique to Jewish Voice Ministries with our Star of David with wheat stalk logo revealing our call to see a great harvest of many souls come to the Light of the World Yeshua.
