Hanukkah
God is Light. The entire Bible, from beginning to end, bears witness to this glorious
truth. As the Apostle John (Yohanan) so beautifully expresses it, “…God is light and in
Him is no darkness at all” (I John 1:5). The Hebrew word for light is ohr and is
pronounced “or”. It is a primary root meaning to be luminous, glorious, set on fire,
shine, light, bright and clean. God tells His Jewish people through the prophet Isaiah
that He will be their eternal light: “The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for
brightness shall the moon give light to you, but the Lord will be to you an everlasting
light, and your God your glory” (Isaiah 60:19). In the same chapter, God’s people are
told that they also are to be a light. They are encouraged to SHINE!
“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but
the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall
come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 60:1-3)
We do not think a believer can really “shine” without knowing and believing the love
that God has for him or her. Love is intricately connected with abiding, boldness, and
lack of fear. It is also the foundation upon which a child of God can “shine.” When we
really know the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father we can be what our Messiah
has called us to be: “or ha olam,” “light of the world.” “You are the light of the world.
A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under
a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorif
your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
From all of us at Jewish Jewels,
May your light shine brightly today and everyday. Happy Hanukkah!
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