No Vacancy
In this world, we have Christmas, and all that comes with it. Consumerism, competition, gluttony, selfishness and Baby, It’s Cold Outside.
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An Existential Christmas
My parents have always been committed to getting us some kind of “stuff” to open on Christmas morning. That stuff always includes books (most of which I actually read and enjoy) and some kind of wacky toy—something with a creative and/or competitive bent.
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Do We Have To?
Understanding Why We Celebrate
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This Candle is a Servant-Leader
On the eighth night we moved the half-burned shamash candle into the eighth position, and put our last new candle in the shamash spot. It looked appropriate, because now the shamash candle towered over the others, as we imagined a good shamash should. But then something interesting happened.
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Never Too Late
Even though Hanukkah ends today the stories never do, because the bravery, commitment, dedication and devotion to Adonai stays with us. The Maccabees were unwilling to bow to the ruling powers that said “Deny your God or die.”
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A Messianic Hanukkah
On the sixth day of Hanukkah, the Wiksells gave to me… A bunch of links to articles on Messianic Hanukkah! (OK, it doesn’t rhyme.) Messianic Jews & Gentiles find themselves in an interesting situation each year at this time. Should we celebrate Christmas, but with a Jewish twist? Should we celebrate Hanukkah, but with a…
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Festival(s) of Lights (Part 2)
It’s well-documented: Yeshua observed the Jewish Festivals. Including Hanukkah. But there’s a funny thing about this Messiah of ours. Yes, he affirmed the beauty and significance of the holidays through his participation. But he always found a way to flip things upside down. To throw a wrench into the works. And his celebration of Hanukkah was no exception.
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Festival(s) of Lights (Part 1)
December has officially become “Holiday of Your Choice” month. There really is something for everyone: Africans, Christians, Jews, Atheists. And if your birthday or anniversary falls in December, I don’t know what to tell you.
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How Hanukkah Saved Christmas
What does Hanukkah have to do with Christmas, you might ask? Yes, they happen about the same time. Yes, both have lights and presents and parties and sugary treats. But the connection goes much deeper than that.
