Holiday Blessings in Messiah,

Holidays of Miracles in December

Two holidays coincide this year: Hanukkah and Christmas. Hanukkah begins on the eve of Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and ends on the eve of Thursday, January 2, 2025. This means that the first candle of Hanukkah (an eight-day celebration) will be lit on Christmas night. Christians and Jews will both be celebrating miracles. As Jews all over the world spin little tops called dreidels and reenact the game that Torah-loving Israelites played to disguise their study of God’s Word from their Hellenistic oppressors, they say: “Nes gadol haya sham”  (NEHS gah-DOHL hi-YAH SHAHM). “A great miracle happened there.” They are referring, first of all, to the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days while fresh oil could be consecrated for the eternal light in the temple in Jerusalem.

The victory of a small band of observant Jewish freedom-fighting guerillas over the entire Greco-Syrian army (with their fighting elephants!) is, in my opinion, the real miracle of Hanukkah. Mae Shafter Rockland, in her traditional Jewish book The Hanukkah Book, makes the following observation: “For twenty-one centuries, in the many lands of the Diaspora as well as in Israel, the Hanukkah flames have been lit as a commemoration of the miracle that occurred in ancient Judea.” Ms. Rockland continues with her opinion of the greater miracle of Hanukkah: “… the tenacious presence of Jewish faith; indeed, I know of nothing more miraculous than the survival, both physical and spiritual, of the Jewish people.”

Who was the real hero of the Maccabean victory and the subsequent rededication of the temple in Jerusalem? God. The God of Israel. He has preserved His people over and over throughout the ages. Judah Maccabee has been quoted as saying to his fellow warriors, “Victory in battle does not depend on the size of an army, but strength is from Heaven. They are advancing against us, full of violence and lawlessness, to destroy us and our wives and our children and to plunder us. We are fighting for our lives and our Laws. And He Himself will shatter them before us; but as for you, be not afraid of them” (I Maccabee 3:19-22). (Let’s believe for supernatural victory in ISRAEL this Hanukkah!)

If the miracle of the Maccabean victory over Antiochus and his army had not happened, there would have been no Judaism, no Jewish nation, and no Jewish temple in which to dedicate a baby, who would years later be miraculously conceived (possibly at Hanukkah—with a birth nine months later at Sukkot) as a result of a supernatural visitation by the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit.

Miracles of Light

When the Hanukkah lights are lit each night, a blessing is said with the underlying thought that light always triumphs over darkness, and God always triumphs over evil. “Barukh Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-Olam sheh-asah nissim la-avoteynu bayyamim hahem bazzman hazzeh.” “Blessed are You, O Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in days gone by at this season of the year.” The following is also recited: “We kindle these lights on account of the miracles, the deliverances, and the wonders You performed for our fathers by means of Your holy priests. During all the eight days of Hanukkah, these lights are sacred…”

When Yeshua the Messiah walked on the earth, He celebrated this “Festival of Lights,” also known as the “Feast of Dedication.” The word for dedication in Hebrew is Hanukkah. “Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Yeshua walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch” (Jn. 10:22-23). At this time, Yeshua identified Himself as the Good Shepherd and made a statement that was truly miraculous: “I and My Father are one” (v.30). He also mentioned the many good works (miracles) that He had done from His Father that were evidence of His deity. When they took up stones to stone Him, Yeshua said, “‘Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?'” (v.32).

Yeshua had proclaimed earlier (Jn. 8:12) that He was the “Light of the World,” fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light [ohr gadol אור גדול ]; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” The birth of Yeshua brought Light into a dark world.

The Word Miracle in the Bible

Many people will hear Isaiah 9:6 at this holiday season, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Wonderful in Hebrew is Pele פלא (PEH-leh). It is a noun and means a wonder or something unusual or extraordinary. It comes from pala, which means a miracle or marvelous thing. “‘Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders [pele]?'” (Ex. 15:11). Our God is a God who does wonders, miracles, supernatural things, “You are the God who does wonders [pele]; You have declared Your strength among the peoples” (Ps. 77:14). “And the heavens will praise Your wonders [peel-ah-KHAH פלאך], O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints” (Ps. 89:5). The very first thing the Messiah (Yeshua) would be called was Pele—Wonderful—because He is a miracle-worker.

What about the word nes, as in nes gadol, great miracle? Interestingly, nes נס only appears a few times in the Bible and means a “banner,” “sign,” or “standard.” For example, “And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner [יהוה נסי Adonai Nissi]” (Ex. 17:15). By implication, “The Lord is my victory banner.” The next verse says, “…Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation” (v.16).

What does this have to do with Hanukkah and miracles? Nes gadol haya sham—most people think this refers to the miracle of the oil. But, it seems to me that using the word “nes” for miracle speaks more about God’s victory over His enemies. It also brings to mind Judah Maccabee, who had a famous battle “banner”—“Mi Kamokha b’elim Adonai” “Who is like unto Thee, O Lord…” (Ex. 15:11 KJV) which had been sung by Moses after he crossed the Red Sea.

There is one more word for miracle in the Bible, mophet—מופת (moh-FAIT). It refers to a special display of God’s power, as when the Lord said, “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders [מופתי mohf-TAY] in the land of Egypt” (Ex. 7:3). Again, in Psalm 105:5, “Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders [מפתיו mohf-TAYV], and the judgments of His mouth.”

What is a Miracle?

In the narrowest sense, a miracle is an interference with nature by supernatural power that causes wonder and astonishment. Consider the Passover miracles—the plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, manna in the desert, the theophany at Mt. Sinai, and more. Traditional rabbis say that the purpose of miracles such as these is to sanctify God’s great name in the world.

The Tanakh (Old Covenant) is filled with miracles: Lot’s wife becoming a pillar of salt, the birth of Isaac, the burning bush that was not consumed, the earth swallowing Korah, water from a rock, the walls of Jericho that fell down, Elijah translated to heaven, and many, many more. I especially love the miracles that God gave a widow of Zarephath—miracle provision and resurrection of her son from the dead. As a widow, I trust the Lord for miracles, too. At the moment, the ministry of Jewish Jewels could benefit greatly from a financial miracle. I trust in the God who does Pele, Nes, and Mophet! Wonders!

What about the Messiah and miracles? First-century Jews expected the coming Messiah to be a miracle worker. So do observant Orthodox Jews today. In Mashiach: Who? What? Why? How? Where? When?, Chaim Kramer states that in the future the world will operate on a system of visual reality of God. “Whereas today, people view everyday life as being under the jurisdiction of the forces of nature, in the future, people will openly see the Hand of God guiding us through His Divine Providence. Miracles—occurrences above space and time—will become the norm. The Prophet Micah [7:15] states, ‘As during the Exodus from Egypt, God will perform wonders.'”

Those of us who have met the Messiah Yeshua can testify that we are already living in the future that Rabbi Kramer speaks about. We see the Hand of God move in our lives on a regular basis. Divine Providence is a regular part of our daily lives. Our Messiah promised that His followers would not only see greater works but do them! “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (Jn. 14:12 KJV). “Abba, please equip us for these greater works in this critical season of ‘Chevlei Mashiach’ חבלי משיח —the ‘birth-pangs of Messiah.'”

The Miracles of Yeshua

Yeshua’s ministry was replete with miracles. His first miracle—at a wedding in Cana of Galilee— has always been impactful in my life because I discovered long ago the deep, Hebraic meaning behind the miracle. The Bible says, “This beginning of miracles did Yeshua in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him” (Jn. 2:11). Without a doubt, the Messiah prayed the traditional prayer: “Barukh Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh haOlam, boray p’ree hagafen.” “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.” God creates the fruit of the vine. Yeshua, in turning water into wine, was creating the fruit of the vine. He was showing Himself to be the Creator! That’s why, at that moment, His Jewish followers believed in Him. One other thought: most of Yeshua’s miracles were done to relieve suffering. This first one was to bring JOY.

Many more miracles followed which testified to Yeshua’s identity as Messiah and to point to His message of repentance and salvation in His Name. When Yeshua met with Nicodemus, this ruler of the Jews said to Him, “…’ Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (Jn. 3:2). When He healed the paralytic, whose friends had lowered him down through a roof, Yeshua said, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins…I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house” (Mark 2:10-11).

A number of commentators point out that there is only one miracle that occurs in all four Gospels—the feeding of the 5,000. The reason? Yeshua not only had power over nature but had understanding and compassion of human need.

Every Day Miracles

While instantaneous, nature-suspending, impossible in the natural miracles still occur, I prefer to define miracles as God on the scene, heaven touching earth, or any place where God meets man and makes His Presence known. By faith, it is possible to experience these miracles daily. I am reminded of a prayer from the Amidah daily prayer service, found in the traditional Siddur (prayer book): “For Your miracles that are with us every day; and for Your wonders and favors in every season evening, morning, and afternoon.” Some scholars call God’s presence and power in our everyday lives while still eliciting awe and wonder “providence” rather than “miracles.” I found a great example of this in my files. An article in the May 14, 1985, Fort Lauderdale News reads: “MAYPORT–While hunting for sea shells and sharks’ teeth at Mayport Naval Station, Kathy Schramke found an artificial tooth her husband lost swimming in the Ocean in December. ‘I just picked it up and knew it was his,’ she said Monday. ‘It was way up on the beach with all the sea shells and stuff that had washed up.’ Doug Schramke, 24, said he lost the tooth when a wave crashed down on him. And he said there was no doubt the tooth found Sunday is the one he lost. ‘I put it in my mouth, and it still fits perfectly,’ he said…’I thought it was gone forever.'” A miracle? Providence? You decide. I have seen the Lord do this type of thing many times. God is Awesome. (Of course, skeptics would just attribute this “find” to coincidence.)

David Wilkerson taught about both spontaneous and progressive miracles. I experienced both in 1975 when the Lord gave me the gift of being able to play the piano by ear. I relate the whole story in the book I am writing, but to summarize, We had been attending many services where a miracle-working God was exalted. Neil and I were new believers and soaked up the teachings. One Sunday morning, neither the church pianist nor organist showed up for service. The Lord spoke to me and said, “If the elders anoint your hands with oil, I will give you the gift of playing the piano by ear.” I was shocked but decided to trust God. When I went to the pastor and told him what I thought God was telling me, he said, “Well. It’s 11:00, sister. Time for the service to start. You’re all we’ve got. Let’s believe God!” They did. I was escorted to a big grand piano, as the oil came out, the elders prayed, I closed my eyes, put my hands on the keys, and SOMEHOW (in the Spirit) played the chorus, “He is Lord.” Yes, He is! I call that a miracle! It was instantaneous but also progressive. They made me the church pianist after that Sunday, but months of stomach-wrenching Sundays followed as I learned to “walk on water.” Step by step, following the Holy Spirit as my piano teacher, I experienced many humbling trials of faith. I like what David Wilkerson said about progressive miracles: “We pray for instantaneous, visible wonders, but often our Lord is quietly at work, forming a miracle for us piece by piece, bit by bit. We may not be able to hear it or touch it, but He is at work, shaping our deliverance beyond what we can see.”

When we think about Miriam, the mother of Yeshua, this month, consider the miracle of divine, supernatural conception in her womb. Instantaneous, yet painfully progressive. In an instant, she became an unwed mother and an object of scorn. “Mary, did you know…” that your miracle child would one day die for the sin of the world?

The Miracle of Salvation

Are all miracles from God? Unfortunately, no. The enemy of our souls, HaSatan, can also perform miracles. The intent of these miracles is to deceive. Consider what Yeshua said when asked about His coming again at the end of the age: “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matt. 24:24).

Be aware. Test the spirits. And know that the greatest miracle on earth is the miracle of the new birth. A sinner (you, me, all of us) who receives Yeshua as the atonement for our sin, repents, and decides to follow Him becomes a new creation (II Cor. 5:17). A miracle transformation takes place. God’s Ruach HaKodesh comes to live in our hearts. We move from death to life, darkness to light. That’s a miracle! Just as the Word became flesh through Miriam (Mary), God’s Word becomes flesh in us through Yeshua. (See John 1:12-14.)

We recently received a praise report from an inmate in Virginia: “As a practicing Orthodox Jew, I cancelled all rabbi visits, calendars, magazines, etc. when I saw the truth behind the gospel of Jesus, the Christ of the Christians. I no longer have anything associated with Orthodox Jewish beliefs…As of 10/3/24, I have officially switched from Orthodox Jew to Messianic Jew after a friend gave this (a KJV Bible) to me. Since I have accepted Jesus as my personal savior, I no longer need to worry about day to day prison and court related issues…Your monthly Jewish Jewels will bring me back to my Jewish roots, but in Jesus.”

YOUR giving to the ministry of Jewish Jewels makes this possible. Please consider a generous end-of-the-year Love Gift. It is needed—and much appreciated!

Love in the God of Miracles,

P.S. You will be blessed when you order Messianic Rabbi Jason Sobel’s Signs and Secrets of the Messiah, a fresh look at the miracles of Yeshua in the Gospel of John.