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.

Tags: Christmas, Mission-Minded Holidays

A Mission-Minded Christmas: HOME

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We all know the clichés, how, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” and “Wise men still seek Him”; but have you and your family ever considered your willingness to surrender to God’s mission-minded purpose for Christmas, in every nitty-gritty area?

Focusing on GOD’S HOME!

Where will you spend Christmas this year?

For many families, where to spend Christmas is at best, a yearly dilemma; for others, it’s an all-out annual battle, with heated discussions and terribly hurt feelings.

Quite a while back, an informal “counseling” question with a newlywed bride turned into a delightful yet passionate discussion about world missions and family life. This God-loving friend and her new husband were having a common early-marriage struggle about where to spend their first Christmas. Since they were already living near his family and relatives, wasn’t it “right” that they celebrate Christmastime with her family?

“I’ll be Home for Christmas” is an awesome song, with a heart-tugging theme.

With four of our seven children now “grown-up” and living on their own, it’s a momma-dream I can relate to . . . sprinkled with annual hopes and anticipation. Christmas-at-home brings to mind favorite traditions, thoughts of yummy delicacies, memories of siblings laughing together and playing games, and of course, snow and mistletoe.

However, as a surrendered mission-minded believer, I’ve come to understand that my lovely “Home-Sweet-Home” Christmas-dream isn’t necessarily a guaranteed “momma-right” I should expect or think I “deserve.”

As I shared my heart with my newlywed friend, and encouraged her to surrender her “rights” and expectations to God, I shared this inspiring true-life Christmas story about a missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators:

I’ll be Home for Christmas?

It was only a few days before Christmas as Bernie May, a pilot for Wycliffe Bible Translators successfully delivered emergency medical supplies to the isolated Amazon village. Now he eagerly anticipated being back with his wife and children in their South American home-away-from-home. Yet as the evening grew dark, he knew he would not be able to fly out until the morning.

With his pontoon plane waiting on the river, Bernie arranged for temporary protection for the night. But then . . . it began to rain. The rain continued, even up until Christmas Eve, the missionary felt increasingly depressed by his misfortune. His wife, Nancy, and their boys were six hours away; and by this time, they would have received his radio message: he would not be home for Christmas.

As a family, they had prepared their hearts to be separated from their loved ones and friends, but it was Christmas Eve . . . and they were now separated even from each other.

Back in Pennsylvania, everyone would be coming home from church-to the sounds of caroling, the smell of roasting turkey, and the sight of falling snow. But where was God’s missionary? Here he was . . . stuck in a remote jungle . . . in a makeshift shelter . . . in the pouring rain . . . alone.

In Ruth Tucker’s book From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, Bernie May tells of his experience:

“Oh God,” I moaned, “I’m in the wrong place.” . . . But that night, under my mosquito net, I had a visitation from God-something like those shepherds must have had on the hills of Bethlehem.

There were no angels, and no bright lights. But as I lay there in my hammock, desperately homesick, I felt I heard God say, “My son, this is what Christmas is all about. Jesus left heaven and on Christmas morning He woke up in the ‘wrong place’-a stable in Bethlehem. Christmas means leaving home, not going home. My only begotten Son did not come home for Christmas-He left home to be with you.”

(Excerpted from The Mission-Minded Family – Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny, by Ann Dunagan – Published by Biblica/Authentic – Click here for a FREE Sample)

Christmas, and everything about true Bible-believing Christianity, is all about God and His GREATNESS (including God’s GREAT COMMANDMENT, to love God and love others: Matthew 22:36-40, and God’s GREAT COMMISSION, to go into all the world to share God’s love with others: Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15).

As your family is trying decide where to spend Christmas this year, remember to keep the big picture in your mind, and in your heart.

Christmas is about so much more than our home, our family and our “rights”. The true meaning of Christmas centers on the reality of God’s home in heaven (because that’s why Jesus came), and loving people into His family, and surrendering our “rights” to Him, so others can go to heaven too.

Tags: Christmas, Mission-Minded Holidays

Seeking PEACE: a place for PRAYER

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As you’re decorating for the Christmas season, and finding a special PLACE for your garland and lights and nativity scene, I encourage you to make a PLACE for PRAYER. If you want to find peace during this busy, crazy time, you need to enter the presence of the Lord, and allow His peace to fill your heart.

Make a PLACE for PRAYER

Recently, I have been thinking about the importance of personal prayer within families . . . behind the public front door of each home and behind the public “image” each family displays.

How can we follow Jesus, and know His will for our lives and for our families, without taking time to be with Him? How can we minister God’s life-changing presence to our own children . . . and to our extended families and our local communities . . . and to our world, unless we take time to know Him?

As Christians, we have been given a tremendous honor and an amazing invitation to spend time with God every day. At the beginning, a new lifestyle of daily prayer will require consistent personal desire and discipline; but eventually (by God’s grace, not merely self-effort) your time with the Lord can become the delight of your day and the greatest strength of your family life and your ministry to others.

Eternally effective families consist of people who consistently pray.

In a spiritually-healthy God-loving family, a lifestyle of prayer includes praying with others at church, praying together as a family, and praying (or “interceding”) for the needs of others and for the needs of the world; yet, nothing is more spiritually beneficial for families than a lifestyle of personal private prayer. Eternally effective families consist of people who consistently pray.

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Do your kids “see” you spending time with God?

As God-loving and Bible-believing families, we all know that prayer is important.

As Christians, we tell our kids that it’s good to pray (or our pastor mentions the fact often enough for our kids to get the message . . . and for us as parents to feel a bit guilty). Perhaps we pray before mealtime (during those special yet unfortunately dwindling occasions when our far-too-busy family can actually gather our hands around a sit-down dinner). Perhaps we pray for our kids at night (during those special times when we remember to tuck our little ones in bed before they fall asleep).

Yet how many of us, as moms and dads, are a bit lacking (or majorly deficient) in our own daily personal prayer lives? As each dad, and mom, and child and/or teenager develops his or her own personal relationship with God through a regular quiet time with the Lord, the effect is powerful.

Be a spiritual example to your kids . . . by having a regular time and place for prayer

As parents, one of the greatest ways to instill in your kids the foundation of life-impacting faith is for your kids to actually “see” you reading your Bible, (on a regular everyday basis, not just at church), and for your kids to “see” you taking time to pray by yourself.

Establish a PLACE for PRAYER

I believe it’s helpful to establish a regular “PLACE” to meet with the Lord each day:

perhaps a comfy chair in a spare bedroom

perhaps in your home office

perhaps on the couch in your living room

perhaps on a trail outside your house or a quiet walk around your neighborhood

“Round-up” a few items to help establish a consistent time with God

If you decided to establish a new habit of physical exercise, such beginning to start jogging a bit each day, you would probably take a few minutes to “round up” some running shoes and perhaps dig through the back of your closets to find some sweats or shorts. If you wanted to add some meals to your cooking, you would need to “round up” some new menu ingredients, or search for some new recipe idea. The same idea holds true for establishing a new habit of spiritual discipline and daily prayer. If you haven’t been taking the time to consistently pray on a regular basis, it’s helpful to “round up” a few quiet-time accessories or “spiritual” items and to have them set aside and waiting for you in your designated new quiet-time place.

Here are a few suggestions for helpful “QUIET TIME” items:

your own Bible (with a marker to remember where you are reading)

a daily Bible-reading chart

a journal or notebook, with a pen and a highlighter

a devotional or “meaty” spiritual book (to challenge your walk with Christ)

a world map, and missionary newsletters

a CD with quiet worship music

possibly even items for holy communion (with wafers, a cup, and grape juice) for a personal communion time (see I Corinthians 11) perhaps on a daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis, to remember the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice

Remember to be flexible . . . and walk with God throughout each day!

Along with consistency in prayer, it’s important to be flexible. In the life of every family, there will be different seasons and changing schedules. What works today may not work tomorrow; yet even so, we need to faithfully guard our time with God. If what you’re doing right now, concerning your personal daily prayer life, is working, by all means keep it up; but if it’s not working, please ask for God’s help and His grace (along with His unlimited creative ideas) to make a change!

Living a life of prayer is simply walking and talking with God. It’s vital to acknowledge God’s presence right beside you and with you all throughout each day.

As individuals, and as families, we can welcome the presence of God’s Spirit into every dimension of our lives. God cares about everything (whether little or big, silly or significant, everyday or eternal), and we can welcome His presence into every decision and every activity. In our families and in our daily communication with God, there should not be a barrier between what is “holy” and what is “common”; instead, God desires for every dimension of our lives (at home, at school, at church, at work, and even at play) to be lived in constant fellowship with Him.

See related article — Seeking PEACE: a time for PRAYER
More family articles about how to have a Mission-Minded Christmas!!!

Tags: Christmas, Prayer

Seeking PEACE: a time for PRAYER

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Instead of being directed by the overwhelming needs of the moment, Jesus took time to pray and to seek the Heavenly Father’s perfect direction for each day, and did exactly (and only) what needed to be done . . .

The will of God —
nothing less, nothing more, nothing else.”
— F. E. Marsh

How to find peace . . . in a busy season

Writing Christmas cards. Decorating the house. Buying and wrapping presents. Cooking. Baking. Preparing for parties and hospitality. Getting ready for church events. Just thinking about all these things we “need” to do can be exhausting.

‘Tis the season to be jolly . . . yet often overly busy.

As we’re heading into the Christmas season, a time to celebrate God’s PEACE and joy, let’s make sure to seek God for what should be done (and what activities could be eliminated to bring more of God’s presence into our homes and family). Let’s remember to take TIME for prayer, and to keep everything in balance.

(Photo: a time of prayer during the East Africa H.M.F.I. conference in Uganda – Nov. 2011)

Think of everything Jesus needed to do!!!

Jesus only lived 33 years on earth and spent just 3 short years in ministry.

In this short time period, Jesus had more on His “to-do” list than any of of could ever comprehend.

He was responsible for providing God’s only way of salvation for all humanity.

He had to establish a brand-new worldwide training program (through scriptural teaching and personal example) to explain God’s eternal kingdom.

He had to equip His ground-level leaders (in deep theology and practical life skills) for future global impact.

And on top of all that, He couldn’t sin or make a mistake . . . not even once!

Even with such a limited time allotment, an eternally important job, and such spiritual “pressure” (from our point of view), Jesus was never rushed or stressed-out. In spite of all He needed to do (and because of all He needed to do), Jesus always took time to pray.

God’s perspective is so much different than ours.

During his 33 years on earth, Jesus took 30 years to live as a simple carpenter and to simply “be” with His Heavenly Father. Jesus was totally perfect and totally God-in-the-Flesh, yet throughout His life He took time to seek God’s direction and guidance. Even when everyone else was busy and multitudes had pressing needs, Jesus took time to be quiet and to get away, and to pray.

Mark 1:35-38 says, “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He [Jesus] went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”

Finding PEACE . . . through PRAYER!

If you haven’t been praying regularly, it’s a good idea to begin by setting aside a particular new “MEETING TIME” with God:

perhaps set your morning alarm a bit earlier

perhaps establish a habit of reading God’s Good News (the Bible) as you’re sipping your morning coffee

perhaps take time for the Lord during your noontime lunch hour

perhaps before bed in the evening

Instead of being directed by the overwhelming needs of the moment, Jesus took time to pray in a solitary place (and He didn’t even tell His disciples where He was going). After this personal prayer time, Jesus knew the heavenly Father’s perfect direction for that day, and He did exactly what needed to be done.

If prayer was that important to Jesus, it should be important to us!

May God bless you with PEACE this Christmas season . . . as you take time to seek Him in the quiet place, in a time of prayer.

Blessings to you!
Jon & Ann

A few helpful links about PRAYER & BALANCE:
Daily Bible Reading Chart
More articles about PRAYER
More articles about BALANCE

Tags: Christmas, Prayer

A Mission-Minded Christmas: Part 3

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A real turning point came for me when I changed the word “holiday” into “holy-day.” When I remember that Christmas is the day Jesus broke through the barrier that separates heaven and earth to create a bridge for us to have eternal life…

This inspiring article, written by Dawn Wilson, is used with permission from TrueWoman.com, an outreach of Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

From Holi-Dazed to Holy Days

By Dawn Wilson (via TrueWoman.com. Used with permission.)

My husband and I met for lunch to discuss all the events, shopping, gatherings, baking, decorating, and needs of the Christmas season. I think he observed me I think he observed me one day as my eyes glazed over while I looked at our packed holiday calendar, and he decided it was time for a major planning meeting in the back corner of Applebee’s—or perhaps he just wanted some barbeque ribs. Regardless, after the meeting my over-the-top “holi-daze” was gone.

I had lists and ideas and a firm budget. I had a step-by-step path to the “perfect” Christmas.

In the week that followed, what I didn’t have was the heart to go with it. There was still something missing. My emotions ranged from stress and anxiety to discontent and anger. I approached December sounding a bit like Paul Revere: “Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! Get with the program, people!”

Part of my stress came from gift-buying. We have so much available in this country—an abundance of things to buy. We may feel pressured to find the perfect gift for a loved one or create a perfect meal. (Note to self: There is nothing perfect this side of heaven!) I’ve often longed for simpler days when children were thrilled to get a fresh orange in the toe of a Christmas stocking. And how refreshing it would be if we could be content to just be together—as my sweet Grandma Parks said, “That’s all the gift I need.”

When I sanctify Christmas in my heart,

I set it apart as holy and precious…

I look for opportunities to tell my granddaughters

about the reason for the season…

I gaze at the Nativity scene on my buffet

and weep that Jesus came to set me free.

A real turning point came for me when I changed the word “holiday” into “holy-day.”

When I remember that Christmas is the day Jesus broke through the barrier that separates heaven and earth to create a bridge for us to have eternal life, it doesn’t remove the busyness of the season, but it does restore perspective (Isa. 59:2; John 10:10; Rom. 5:1; 1 Pet. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:5; Rom. 5:8). When I sanctify Christmas in my heart, I set it apart as holy and precious. I focus more on spiritual activities. I look for opportunities to tell my granddaughters about the reason for the season. I open my personal hymn book and read and sing the carols with fresh insight. I gaze at the Nativity scene on my buffet and weep that Jesus came to set me free.

Yes, Christmas is a time for family, yummy cookies, a gorgeous tree, caroling, and colorfully wrapped gifts, but it is also the time when all believers remember the Son who came in obedience to the Father so we could enjoy the blessing of adoption into the family of God. Christmas is all about Him, not us. Converting from holi-dazed to the blessings of the holy-day alters everything, because my heart is changed.

How about you? What stresses you the most during this time of year? How has God changed your perspective?

Note from Ann:

May each of us set this season apart as holy and precious; may we gaze the Nativity, and weep to know that Jesus came to set us free; and may we look for opportunities to share the true meaning of Christmas with friends, loved ones, and strangers.

A wonderful ministry highlight of 2009 was having the opportunity to meet Christian author and teacher Nancy Leigh DeMoss and interview about “The Mission-Minded Family” on Revive Our Hearts, a women’s ministry outreach of FamilyLife. These three radio broadcasts should air sometime in 2010.

Stay tuned . . .

Tags: Christmas, Mission-Minded Holidays

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Mission-Minded Links:

Mission-Minded Families @ FAMILY LIFE TODAY
Mission-Minded Families @ REVIVE OUR HEARTS
Mission-Minded Homeschool @ HEART OF THE MATTER
Mission-Minded Parenting @ THE CHRISTIAN POST
Mission-Minded Women @ VISIONARY WOMANHOOD
Mission-Minded Moms @ PASSIONATE HOMEMAKING
"Is Your Family Mission-Minded?" @ CBN.com
More recommended mission-minded family links . . .

One-Year Bible Reading Chart - PDF link

A Mission-Minded Christmas Day: I GAVE MYSELF

A Christmas Story from Liberia, AFRICA

“I Gave Myself”

A few MISSION-MINDED baby-steps

A Mission-Minded Christmas Eve: SURRENDER

Focusing on SURRENDER:

What if . . .

A Mission-Minded Christmas: PRESENCE

Focuses . . . on God’s Presence!

On How to Be a Manger

Mission-Minded Ideas:

Hanukkah & the LIGHT of Jesus

Hanukkah . . . and JESUS!!!

Hanukkah . . . as a mission reminder:

Dates of Hanukkah, 2010

Hanukkah . . . in the Bible

Hanukkah Crafts Ideas:

The Light of Hanukkah:

Have a . . .

Mission-Minded Christmas . . . and Hanukkah!

A Mission-Minded Christmas: HOME

Focusing on GOD’S HOME!

I’ll be Home for Christmas?