Daring Daughters: Girls Night in Charleston!
Come with a friend or a daughter for a fun and inspiring evening!
girls night out . . .
Daring Daughters is a vision to inspire young women for world missions.
There are many BIG needs in our world today: orphans, unborn babies, hurting children, poverty, human slavery, and people who desperately need Jesus. Has God put an idea in your heart to make a difference in the world? Mother and daughter team, Ann and Christi Dunagan want to stir-up YOUR vision, for God’s eternal purposes.
WHEN: Monday, March 19th, 2012
WHERE: Charleston, SC (at a private home).
CONTACT: For more information, contact Ann (for information, and home location).P.S. If you would like to help, please bring a small snack to share! Thanks!).
St. Patrick was a MISSIONARY to Ireland!
March is a great time to be inspired by the example of St. Patrick, the famous missionary to Ireland, and to PRAY for today’s spiritual needs both in Ireland and throughout Europe. Throughout this month, as you see decorations in stores and shops, allow St. Patrick’s Day GREEN to remind you that we’re all called to GO!
Enjoying World Missions in MARCH
St. Patrick’s Day
To many people, St. Patrick’s Day is nothing more than a holiday to commemorate the traditions of Ireland. People wear “Irish” green; stores decorate with shamrocks, leprechauns, and rainbows; and restaurants feature meals of corned beef, cabbage and potatoes . . . or green-colored mint milkshakes.
To others, March 17th is a day to gratify the flesh: to guzzle beer, or to glorify sinful lifestyles through disgraceful city-wide parades. How far we have come from the real story of a missionary named Patrick and the sacrifices he made to bring the love of Jesus Christ to the people of Ireland. Today, more than ever, our world needs the Gospel.
During the month of March, let’s remember the missionary story of St. Patrick. And let’s use all the GREEN decorations as a constant reminder, wherever we see them (in stores, restaurants, etc.), that we’re all called to GO with God’s GOOD NEWS!
Q & A Prayer Focus:
How can we pray for Ireland?
In previous generations, Ireland was a predominantly Christian nation, even “sending” missionaries to other countries and helping to spread the Gospel throughout Europe. Today, according to a recent European Believers report, less than 1% of the people of Ireland are born-again believers (only 0.62%). That percentage is so low.
As mission-minded families, we need to PRAY for Ireland.
Learn how to pray for IRELAND on OPERATION WORLD.
Harvest Ministry’s upcoming mission to Ireland . . .
Lord willing. . .
Harvest Ministry will be GOING to Ireland on a mission outreach, April and May, 2012. Jon & Ann Dunagan (and hopefully also Josh & Anna Dunagan) will be ministering to families and in churches throughout the country, preaching about the blood of Jesus, the importance of world missions and having mission-minded families, and sharing the vision for Daring Daughters.Stay tuned for exciting details.
Quick Facts:
St. Patrick’s Day – MARCH 17th
Patrick was the first Christian missionary to Ireland. In the United States, celebrations include city parades, Irish cultural celebrations, and the wearing of green.
Who was Saint Patrick?
“Saint” Patrick (389 – 461 AD) actually went to Ireland twice – first as a slave, and later as a missionary. Born in Britain (in Wales), Patrick is widely known as the first Christian missionary to the Irish people. During his youth (from 16 to 22 years old), he was captured and taken to Ireland. While there, young Patrick repented of his sinful, backslidden condition. Years later, after escaping to his homeland, he received a vision from God calling him to return to the Irish people to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. Patrick obeyed God’s call and went back.
For the remainder of his life, Patrick ministered among the heathen tribes of Ireland – confronting Irish idolatry and sorcery, converting many to Jesus Christ, and baptizing thousands of people. Tradition says he used the three-leaf Irish clover to teach the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
According to historian William Federer, who wrote St. Patrick: The Real History of His Life, From Tragedy to Triumph, “He was actually a missionary and he converted 120,000 druids from paganism to Christianity.” Federer claims that in the fifth century A.D., Patrick did more than perhaps anyone in history to spread Christianity in Europe. Although druids attempted to kill him over a dozen times, Patrick continued to preach the message of Jesus Christ, and throughout his ministry he pioneered over 300 Christian churches. Patrick also spoke out against slavery, and because of this, some call him the world’s first abolitionist.
Mission-Minded Family Resources:
To learn more about St. Patrick, I recommend Hero Tales – Volume III, by Dave & Neta Jackson (Bethany House Publishers). Along with the short biography summary, St. Patrick: Missionary to Ireland, the Jackson’s include three devotional stories (each with a focus “From God’s Word” and “Let’s Talk About It” discussion questions) to read aloud:
- “Your Ship is Ready” — Trust
- The Fire on the Hill — Boldness
- Blood on the White Robes — Righteous Anger
VeggieTales has a funny “flannel-graph” version of the St. Patrick story, which is surprisingly historically accurate, on the VeggieTales DVD, Sumo of the Opera.
Also, Focus on the Family has a special “Days to Remember” edition of Adventures in Odyssey, with two episodes specifically highlighting the true meaning of St. Patrick’s Day.
NOTE: This article is adapted from the chapter “Enjoying Missions Throughout the Year” from Ann’s book,
The Mission-Minded Family – Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny.
Where in the World . . . is Chile & Argentina?
What a fun way to learn about the world!
Right now, our oldest son is traveling all over the world on a global adventure — most recently in Chile and Argentina. As a mission-minded homeschooling family, we love to learn about different nations and cultures, and we love to pray for people who need Jesus. Every few weeks, as we get news about this trip, we’re using it as a way for our kids to learn about WORLD MISSIONS (along with world geography and worldviews).
There are so many exciting things to see and to do . . .
Cerro Santa Lucia, in Santiogo, Chile
Following the Adventure . . .
Chile . . .
Valpo, Chile
Valparaiso, ChileMission-Minded Teaching . . .
- – - > Learn about CHILE on the World Map Project
- – - > Learn about CHILE Unreached People Groups
- – - > Pray for CHILE with Operation World
- – - > Explore CHILE on the World Atlas
A castle – near Vina Del Mar, Chile
Mission-Minded Teaching Ideas:
Available here at Harvest Ministry, we have a complete one-year unit study homeschooling curriculum, all based on world missions and God’s Great Commission, called Teaching With God’s Heart for the World. If you follow the whole program (which can be used over one year, or two years, or even as individual week-long units) you and your children will take a whirl-wind tour of international geography and world history.
FREE Unit Study!
South America Unit Study – Week 12
in Teaching With God’s Heart for the World
(Just CLICK to download!!!)
In some places, the curriculum is a little outdated and some of the recommended resources are no longer available, but don’t worry about those little details! And don’t ever think that you have to do “everything”!!! Just glean from the teaching ideas and have fun. The lesson plans are now available for FREE and the craft projects, recipes, ancient history, and Bible lessons are just as applicable as ever. Come take a look!
Argentina . . .
Gaucho dancing – Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza, ArgentinaMission-Minded Teaching . . .
- – - > Learn about ARGENTINA Unreached People Groups
- – - > Pray for ARGENTINA with Operation World
- – - > Explore ARGENTINA on the World Atlas
A fire juggler, Mendoza, Argentina
Western Argentina . . .
Western Argentina
THERE HE IS . . . It’s Patrick (on another horse, in Western Argentina)!!!
Learn more about South America:
FREE Unit Study!
South America Unit Study – Week 12
in Teaching With God’s Heart for the World
(Just CLICK to download!)
Try a FREE online quiz from lizardpoint.com:
Countries of SOUTH AMERICA
Capitals of SOUTH AMERICA
Fun Craft Idea: Make a Mission-Minded PASSPORT
and keep track of “where you’ve been” (in your learning and prayer)!
The travel map (so far!):
So . . . where will he go next?
Met four motorcyclists riding from Alaska’s Arctic Circle to the tip of S. America: “INSPIRING!”
Have fun, learn about world missions,
and follow the adventure!!
Daring Daughters Radio: Leaving a Legacy
On today’s Daring Daughter broadcast, mother-daughter co-hosts Ann and Christi Dunagan chat about “Leaving a Legacy” from one generation to another — from mom to daughter, and also learning and growing from daughter to mom.
Leaving a Legacy: Mothers & Daughters
During this episode, Ann and Christi address comments and questions from speaker and homeschooling mother of six, Angie Tolpin (of Leaving a Legacy).
How have you nurtured a strong mother-daughter relationship over the years?
How do you focus on the heart attitude in your daughters?
How do you make an intentional effort to open communication with your daughters?
How are you leaving legacy with your daughters (especially in spiritual areas)?In raising our girls to be daring daughters for God, we as moms need to instill a godly legacy. But usually special mother-daughter moments don’t “just happen”; we need to be intentional. For more about the vision for Daring Daughters — including the new facebook page, twitter page, upcoming events, and blogtalk radio show, see our VISION page . . .
listen to the broadcast . . .
Listen to DaringDaughters on Blog Talk Radio
Ann with younger daughter, Caela, on a mission trip in Uganda
2012 – Upcoming Daring Daughter Events:
MARCH 15, 16, 17 – TEACHING THEM DILIGENTLY – Homeschool Convention
Spartanburg Expo Center – Spartanburg, South Carolina
3 Mission-Minded Family Sessions (w/Ann Dunagan, each w/ a “power word” by Christi)
1 Daring Daughter Mother-Daughter Session (with Ann & Christi Dunagan)
1 Daring Daughter Teen Session (with Christi Dunagan)
MARCH 18 – ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH – Charleston, South Carolina
Sharing a Vision for Mission-Minded Families @ St. Michael’s Anglican Church
FOR FAMILIES: (morning family Sunday School class)
FOR YOUTH: (afternoon session)
MARCH 19 – GIRL’S NIGHT OUT – in Charleston, South Carolina
For girls and women of any age. A special evening of fun & friendship
(to share the vision for DARING DAUGHTERS and getting God’s heart for world missions)
This Girl’s Night Out is in a private home setting with Ann & Christi Dunagan
Please contact Harvest Ministry for details and directions.
(And bring a plate of yummy snacks to share!)
MARCH 23, 24, 25 – DARING DAUGHTERS RETREAT — for mothers & daughters
@ Christian Renewal Center (CRC) – in Silverton, Oregon
For ‘Tween & Teen Girls (ages 10 to 20) along with moms & mentors
For more information and to register, please see the CRC website.
Q & A’s with Angie Tolpin @ Leaving a Legacy:
Q. ANGIE TOLPIN of LEAVING A LEGACY:
Ann, looking back at yourself as a mom of middle-aged children and babies, how did you begin proactively preparing your heart to let go and let God have your children for service overseas?A. ANN DUNAGAN:
With each child, there was definitely a time of “dedicating” each one to the Lord and praying over them and committing each little one into God’s hand. I didn’t know what that would look like, but I honestly made a conscious effort to surrender each child to God, like Hannah dedicated her future child (Samuel) to God’s purposes. I also spent quite a bit of time teaching our kids about world missions, and even as we learned about different missionaries and various countries, I would let the kids know that my heart as a mom was for each of them to fulfill God’s will for their life.I think surrendering our kids to God is a layered process; I keep thinking I’ve “done it” but then it’s like the Lord takes me to a deeper level of surrender. As Christi was beginning her relationship with Trae (who’s family lives in Niger, West Africa — a very poor and hot and predominantly Muslim country), the decision to surrender became a real process of “letting go,” and a real guy (who Jon & I had never even met in person) who was in love with our girl. But God is so AMAZING!!! What originally felt like a sacrifice has become one of God’s most wonderful gifts. Trae is an awesome man of God, and we are thrilled about how the Lord has led them together, and how he is now becoming our future son. And who knows where He will take them in the future. The two are looking at several different possibilities: Brazil, France, Niger, Asia . . . and even (now, brace yourself: doesn’t this sound scary and dangerous?) . . . Kona, Hawaii (to go through YWAM’s University of the Nations).
Q. ANGIE TOLPIN:
Christi, when you were growing up, around the ages 9-12, what was your spiritual perspective on missions & purpose in life in comparison to now? Do you see a direct connection with your mom & dads purposeful parenting style? Give some examples!A. CHRISTI DUNAGAN:
I see a huge connection between my parents’ style of raising us and my heart for missions. It is because of my parents that I want to go into missions. My dad and mom didn’t just talk the talk, they lived it — literally traveling to the uttermost parts of the earth for the sake of the gospel. I saw how alive and on fire they were, and it started a flame in me too.
Learn more about Angie Tolpin @ Leaving a Legacy
Families & Missions . . . in FEBRUARY
February’s MISSION-MINDED FAMILY holiday focus includes: Valentines Day, President’s Day, and Black History Month. Our emphasis is God’s LOVE for the WORLD, the PASSION of JESUS as He died on the cross for the world, and our need to PRAY for Christians who are being PERSECUTED for their faith.
TEACHING OPPORTUNITY:
Update Your February Calendar: Throughout the year, acknowledging international holidays and using these days as focus-points for prayer, can give our families an insight into our world’s need for Jesus. These vibrant festivities are filled with colorful expression, yet often these traditions are rooted in false religion and fear. Get out your family calendar, and take a moment to write down the names of these holidays on their respective dates.
Throughout the year, you can come back to the chapter, “Enjoying Missions Throughout the Year” in The Mission-Minded Family, to read about each holiday and pray accordingly.
Valentine’s Day
(February 14th) – This holiday, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, was named after two early Christian martyrs named Valentine and is observed by Western and Western-influenced cultures. In the United States and some other countries, cards and gifts are given to friends, sweethearts, and family members to express love.
- A STARTLING MISSION FACT: From Neal Pirolo’s 1991 book, Serving as Senders – On just one day, February 14, Americans spend over 700 million dollars to say “I love you” with Valentine’s Day cards. Less than that is spent in the whole month of February (and in each of the other months) to tell a lost and dying world that God loves them!
- NEIGHBORHOOD VALENTINE OUTREACH: Encourage your kids to make Valentine’s Day cards to thank the special people in their lives. You could also use these cards as a witnessing tool – to share “Jesus LOVES You!” with unsaved family members, young friends, or adult neighbors who need the Lord.
- HELPFUL LINK: Click here for FREE Valentine’s Day cards and envelopes.
- PRAYER FOCUS – Voice of the Martyrs & the Persecuted Church: Pray for contemporary Christians who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. See persecution.org, or read a selection from the great book, Jesus Freaks, by dc Talk. Also, here’s an excellent article about St. Valentine the Martyr from Christian Persecution blog (The Voice of the Martyrs).
President’s Day – USA
(3rd Monday of the month - February 20, 2012)
Pray for government leaders and for the president of the United States. A good source for help:
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:1-4).
Black History Month – February
Did you know? Did you know that the first missionary from America was of African/American descent? George Liele, a Baptist Minister, left America in 1782 to start a church in Jamaica. This was twenty years before Adoniram & Nancy Judson left from America to Burma.
(And did you know? There’s a GEORGE LEILE “Missionary Monologue” featured in THE MISSION-MINDED CHILD!!!)
The world needs Jesus . . . all year long!
Let’s share God’s LOVE!!!
- “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13).
- “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Recommended Mission-Minded Family Links:
e3 resources: the EvangeCube and more!
Resources for Prayer, Evangelism, and DiscipleshipGlobal Expeditions – TeenMania
Opportunities for teen mission tripsGospel Projects International
A new mission directed by Josh & Anna Dunagan (Jon & Ann’s son & daughter-in-law)International Faith Telegraph
World Christian News and Mission NewsMission Atlas Project
A fun resource for all ages to learn about world missionsThe Four Spiritual Laws
Share the Gospel with the 4-Spiritual Laws – in many languages!The JESUS Film – in many languages!
Learn about the JESUS Film projectThe Joshua Project – Unreached People Groups
Pray for today’s unreached people groupYWAM – Youth With A Mission
Learn about Youth With A Mission — books, discipleship training, and family mission opportunities
Recommended Mission Books & Resources
A quick look at a few of our favorite mission-minded books . . .
A Mission-Minded Christmas Day: I GAVE MYSELF
For God so loved the WORLD, that He gave His only Son. This Christmas, let’s remember the world and the lost, as we thank God for the greatest gift of all times. God gave His own life for our world; let’s give of ourselves . . . for Him and for others!
A Christmas Story from Liberia, AFRICA
“I Gave Myself”
It was Christmas, and the Liberian Christians had been asked this year instead of receiving gifts, to help carry the Gospel to others.
As in many mission fields, they brought, not money, but produce. Presently, the great plates were piled high with offerings of rice, cocoa, bananas, palm nuts, pineapple, and cassava.
There was a moment’s pause . . .
Slowly, a twelve-year-old boy walked forward and solemnly placed his feet in one of the plates. Afterward, when the missionary questioned him, the boy said . . .
“We are very poor. I did not have anything else to give . . . so I gave myself.”
A few MISSION-MINDED baby-steps
Here are a few baby-steps to begin to incorporate a mission-mindset into your family’s yearly Christmas celebrations.
- Incorporate a GLOBE into your Christmas celebrations. Perhaps use this to bring a mission theme into a corner of your living room or family room. Add some garland and lights, or place a mini-nativity beside this globe (or map), as you encourage your children that Jesus came to earth to be the Savior for ALL people.
- If your decorations are looking a bit old and shabby, and you’re wondering about using them another year, remember 1.6 million people around the world have yet to hear the Christmas story . . . for the first time!
- Read aloud a Mission-Minded Christmas story such as this story, “I Gave Myself,” or “Home for Christmas?”
- Plan a specific family giving project for Christmas. Perhaps put a coin jar under your tree and begin saving coins for a specific mission need.
As mission-minded families, if we really want God’s direction in every areas of our lives, we need to begin by surrendering ALL of our “rights” to God.
All to Jesus, I surrender.
All to Him I freely give.
I will ever love and trust Him.
In His presence daily live.
I surrender all. I surrender all.
All to Thee, My Blessed Savior.
I surrender all.
This Christmas, we invite you to seek God’s purposes for your family.
Have yourself a MISSION-MINDED CHRISTMAS!!!
With Love in His Harvest,
Jon & Ann Dunagan, & Family
More Mission-Minded Christmas posts
Click here for a FREE Sample of THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY
A Mission-Minded Christmas Eve: SURRENDER
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, surrendered everything when He came to this earth — not only to save us, but to provide His salvation for the whole world!
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
(John 3:16)
Focusing on SURRENDER:
This Christmas . . .
What if God would ask your family to give something BIGGER than ever?
What if He would ask you to give something even greater than gifts to your loved ones, or a special missions-offering, or a few extra dollars in that red Salvation Army bucket?
Brace yourself . . . as you consider . . . “What if . . . “
What if . . .
- What if God wanted you to sell something of value, specifically to support MISSIONS, and to help expand the kingdom of God . . . perhaps even something really really BIG . . .
- What if God wanted your family to pray about taking a short-term mission trip in 2012?
- What if God would want you to prepare yourself and your family . . . to perhaps pack up everything, and to move overseas to begin a season of fulltime foreign missionary work?
- What if God would ask you, as a loving parent, to release one of your own precious kids or young adults into fulltime, international, and perhaps even dangerous, Christian service?
- What if someday one of your own big kids, out of direct obedience to God’s call, was called to live across the world . . . and he or she wasn’t always able be with you and your family for Christmas?
YIKES!!! YIKES!!!
As parents, would you be supportive and encouraging toward God’s call on your child’s life . . . or would you be God’s greatest hindrance?
I know it can be scary; but I also know that whenever God calls an individual to follow Him, He also provides His GRACE and JOY (and if God would someday call one of your kids to something a bit “out-of-your-comfort-zone” or downright SCARY, He also has a GRACE and JOY for you, as parents, to be able to handle it.
Mission-minded Christmas carols:
- “Go, Tell it on the Mountain!”
- “Silent Night”
- “Joy to the World”
- “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
William Booth, Founder of Salvation Army, (1829-1912)
Did you know that “General” William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, had a fervent PASSION for SOULS?
In the early days of his ministry, he had banners with the words “BLOOD and FIRE!” and one of his famous mission motto’s was “Go for souls, and go for the worst.” He and his wife, Catherine Booth, also had a great love for their family. All of their eight children loved the Lord and devoted their lives to fulltime Christian service.
Related articles: Mission-Minded Christmas
A Mission-Minded Christmas: PRESENCE
Christmas is not just about giving PRESENTS; it’s about living in the PRESENCE of the Lord, and sharing His PRESENCE with others.
Focuses . . . on God’s Presence!
Jesus came as our Emmanuel – Our “God with us.” This Christmas, let’s remember that Christmas is all about Him. It’s about being with Him, and taking time to enjoy His presence.
In a Christmas Eve sermon, Martin Luther (German leader of the Protestant Reformation) encouraged his congregation to be like a manger in which Jesus can be found. May our hearts be like that simple manger bed, prepared for the greatest gift of all: Our Savior.
On How to Be a Manger
Be empty.
Be sturdy.
Be soft inside.
Be still.
Be ready.
By Barbara Germait
Mission-Minded Ideas:
A few more MISSION-MINDED Christmas Ideas:
- TAKE SOME QUIET TIME: Encourage your family to take some quiet time this Christmas to pray and to worship (and plan now to bring a special worship and prayer time into your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day celebrations). Remember that Christmas is all about His PRESENCE!!!
- LEARN ABOUT THE WORLD: Learn how Christmas is celebrated in different parts of the world, such as St. Lucia Day in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries (the legend of St. Lucia focuses on a Sicilian girl who gave away her dowry to feed the poor) or Las Posadas from Mexico and Latin American countries. You can also learn about Hanukkah (as you pray for the nation of Israel, and for Jewish families to come to know Jesus as their Messiah). Perhaps incorporate one or two new international traditions into your family celebration.
- BE A WITNESS FOR JESUS: Remember that Christmas is one of the easiest times of the year to be a strong witness for Jesus. Whenever anyone says, “Happy Holidays,” encourage your children to be bold and friendly as you respond with a cheerful “Merry Christmas!” or “Jesus Loves You!” (and don’t be afraid to invite people to your church or to a special Christ-centered event). Pray specifically for your unsaved neighbors, and perhaps deliver a plate of Christmas cookies along with hand-written cards or loving notes about God’s salvation. Visit elderly people in a nursing home and sing God-glorifying Christmas carols and talk to these precious people about the Lord. Specifically pray for relatives who need Jesus (and maybe plan a little Christmas Eve “skit” performed by your sweet non-threatening kids, to clearly share the real salvation reason for Christ’s coming to earth).
- CONTACT YOUR MISSIONARIES: Communicate a few times during December to your own missionary friends and their children. Today, most overseas missionaries and international ministers utilize online tools such as facebook, twitter, blogs, or websites, so it’s easier than ever to keep in touch. Don’t be afraid to share about your fun Christmas activities, but be sensitive and appreciative for the sacrifices they are making for Jesus to serve Him so far from home.
This Christmas, I invite you to seek God’s purposes for your family.
Let’s seek His PRESENCE!
Hanukkah & the LIGHT of Jesus
Hanukkah . . . and JESUS!!!
In the history of Hanukkah; there are types and shadows that point to our Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is our Light of the World . . .
. . . and God desires for each of us to be a light for Him.
This year, the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah (Chanukah) falls on December 20th to 28th, 2011. It’s a perfect time to share with our families about God’s love for the people of Israel, and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Hanukkah . . . as a mission reminder:
During December, it’s common to find many references to this Jewish holiday, especially as stores and schools attempt to be culturally sensitive to families who don’t celebrate Christmas. We usually see Hanukkah reminders in store windows, in the wrapping paper aisle, and even at the post office.
Dates of Hanukkah, 2010
The first day of Hanukkah 2011 was December 20th, meaning the first candle of the menorah is to be lit on the nightfall of the 20th. The holiday extends for 8 days, ending this year on December 28th, 2011.
Holiday Hanukkah reminders and decorations provide perfect “on-the-spot” teaching opportunities to talk with our children about the need to pray for the people of Israel, and to share how Jesus Christ came as God’s promised Messiah for the whole world. As you see these decorations throughout your shopping times, take these moments to talk with your kids about loving the people of Israel and praying for their salvation.
We’ve recently learned a few interesting things about this Jewish holiday:
- Did you know there is a biblical reference to Hanukkah is in the New Testament?
- Did you know that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah?
- Did you know that Hanukkah is the feast of lights and the feast of dedication?
- Many aspects of this holiday point to the coming Messiah . . . and did you know that Jesus Christ completely fulfilled this celebration by being our Light of the world?
Hanukkah . . . in the Bible
“At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. “But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. “I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.” ” John 10:22-33
Isn’t that exciting?
On this feast day, in the wintertime, Jesus declared His divinity!!!
Read the Bible selections that refer to Hanukkah, and talk with your children about how Jesus came to fulfill this celebration. He is our light of the world.
- John 10:22-33
- Matthew 20:28
- John 8:12
As you’re at the post office, deciding which holiday stamps to buy, take a moment to mention (to the post office worker, or to other people waiting in line next to you), “Did you know that in the Bible, it says that Jesus actually celebrated Hanukkah?” You can then share how Jesus Christ came to earth as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. He came as the Messiah of Israel and God’s Light of the WORLD!!!
Hanukkah Crafts Ideas:
Have your children make a few simple Hanukkah craft projects.
- Star of David Ornaments – Make two cardboard triangles and cover them with aluminum foil. Staple them together and add a ribbon. (Our children made these and hung them on our Christmas tree. See photo above.)
- Menorah – Our son Mark crafted a simple wooden Menorah candle stick with nine (birthday) candles. (See the photo at the top of this post.)
The Light of Hanukkah:
Here’s a short excerpt from the “Jews for Jesus” website blog. The article is entitled “The Light of Hanukkah” and it’s a good summary of the spiritual significance of Hanukkah and how it relates to Jesus as our Messiah:
The Hanukkah candles are traditionally lit by a special candle called the shammash. Shammash is Hebrew for “servant.” In the shammash candle, we can see a symbol of our Messiah Jesus, for as the Gospel of Matthew says,
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
The shammash serves the other candles by bringing light to them. In the New Testament, Jesus is frequently referred to as “the Light,” and Jesus Himself once said,
“I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Just as the shammash gives light to the other candles, Jesus came to give the world His Light. As we celebrate Hanukkah, it is good for us be reminded of that light each night as we light our menorahs. As believers in Y’shua (Jesus), Hanukkah should hold precious meaning to us. The miracles we celebrate at Hanukkah – the defeat of an enemy army, the oil lasting for eight days – show how God keeps His light burning in the hearts of His people, even when they face what seem to be impossible odds or situations. With God, all things are possible. His light cannot fail, or go out.
For the entire article on the Jews for Jesus website: “The Light of Hanukkah”
Have a . . .
Mission-Minded Christmas . . . and Hanukkah!
Celebrating JESUS our LIGHT of the WORLD!
For celebration details and answers to common questions regarding Hanukkah (Chanukah) from a Jewish perspective, look here.
More articles on having a Mission-Minded Christmas.
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