On this third night of Chanukah, we reflect on the Chanukah story and God as the Mighty Warrior who has already won the victory over evil.

Messianic Jewish Chanukah Blessings

Place three candles in the chanukiah tonight, setting them in the holders from right to left. As you light the Shamash, or Servant Candle, recite the Messianic Jewish Chanukah blessings:

Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and has given us Yeshua the Messiah, the Light of the World.

Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.

Candle Lighting

Using the Shamash, light the Chanukah candles in the opposite direction from which you placed them in the holders. Light them from left to right. Return the Shamash to its place. Let the candles go out on their own. They should burn for a least half an hour.

Devotion

The Maccabees were a vastly outnumbered group of men facing a well-organized army of soldiers seeking to destroy the Jewish people and their faith. But they fought back anyway. They had to do something to end the brutal violence unleashed against them because they would not conform or convert to their attackers’ beliefs. The Maccabees fought, and, by God’s grace, they took back the Temple.

When the Lord engages in a battle, He is always victorious. He is the Almighty, all-powerful, sovereign Lord, after all. And Jesus rose from the dead, overcoming the power of sin and death! Though this world still suffers from evil, the Lord has foretold the day when He will put it away forever. To us, it’s in the future; to Him who is unbound by time, it’s already done. Chanukah illustrates that our God is victorious, and through Him, we are too. Praise Him for the wonderful things He has won for us!

From the Lord’s Word

For He has done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm have won victory for Him. ––Psalm 98:1

He will swallow up death forever, my Lord Adonai will wipe away tears from every face. ––Isaiah 25:8a

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. ––Revelation 1:18 NIV

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we, removed from sins, might live for righteousness. “By His wounds you were healed.” ––1 Peter 2:24

Prayer

Almighty God, there is none like You. Thank You for the victory You have already won for us. Thank You for the day when You will bring to pass all that You have promised, and we will live entirely free from all sin, all oppression, persecution and evil. You are victorious! And we look forward to the day when You will receive all the glory and honor and praise that You deserve.

On this second night of Chanukah, we consider our roles as lights in the world.

Messianic Jewish Chanukah Blessings

Place two candles in the chanukiah tonight, setting them in the holders from right to left. As you light the Shamash, or Servant Candle, recite the Messianic Jewish Chanukah blessings:

Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and has given us Yeshua the Messiah, the Light of the World.

Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.

Candle Lighting

Using the Shamash, light the Chanukah candles in the opposite direction from which you placed them in the holders. Light them from left to right. Return the Shamash to its place. Let the candles go out on their own, and they should burn for a least half an hour.

Devotion

Setting the Temple back in order, cleansing it and restoring the Temple light was for God’s glory. It was only right that His dwelling place be pure and shining the holy light He intended to burn there.

The menorah that glowed all night was reminiscent of God’s presence in the pillar of fire each night during the Israelite’s years of wandering in the wilderness. He never left them, and His light shone for all the neighboring peoples to see as well.

Jesus told us that we are to be His lights in this dark world. When we walk by His Spirit, He shines His light into all the world. As we do, we glorify the Lord. We draw others’ attention to Him so that they might see and believe in His Messiah too. At Chanukah, we remember that as God lights our lives, we are to be diligent to see that He shines through us for all the world to see and glorify Him.

From the Lord’s Word

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. ––Psalm 18:28 NIV

Come house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of Adonai. ––Isaiah 2:5

For once you were darkness, but now in union with the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light. ––Ephesians 5:8

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a lampstand so it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. ––Matthew 5:14–16

Prayer

Lord, we praise You for Your light in our lives. We ask that You help us to live in such a way that shines forth Your amazing light, Your goodness and truth, Your grace and compassion. Help us to daily walk by Your Spirit so that Your presence will be evident to all we meet. And may You be glorified.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he 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 NIV)

We’re heading into one of my favorite times of the year and I’m so excited to spend just a few minutes today writing to you! 

The Festival of Lights is a time for remembering God’s goodness and provision – throughout the history of Israel and in our own lives. 

With so much that can weigh heavy on our hearts this holiday season, as we celebrate differently than we had hoped or planned, let’s rejoice in our Messiah Jesus, the light of the world. And may we be inspired by His example to be a light for others in what can feel like a dark time. 

The headlines this week are split between the ongoing efforts for peace between Israel and her neighbors and Iran’s response to the assassination of their top nuclear scientist. 

In coronavirus news, Israel began a nightly curfew on Wednesday as new case numbers have been increasing. And the first shipment of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine is expected to arrive in Israel in the coming days, according to their Health Ministry. 

Israel and UAE set fast pace with normalization process 

The UAE was the first of the three Arab nations to normalize relations with Israel in 2020 and the process is moving quickly and with apparent great enthusiasm on both sides. It even appears that the UAE has dropped, in practical terms, the usual propaganda about Israel’s “occupation of Arab lands,” CNN reported. 

Last month, the UAE hosted a group of Israeli settler leaders from the West Bank. And in October, the country imported wine produced by Israeli companies in the Golan Heights.  

In addition, the UAE, the U.S. and Israel will finance a project to modernize Israeli checkpoints in the West Bank used to monitor the movement of Palestinians. 

Mutual concern about Iranian influence in the region also brings these two countries together. 

Saudi Arabia to allow Israeli commercial planes to cross its airspace 

Early last week, after talks between Saudi officials and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, Saudi Arabia agreed to let Israeli airliners cross its airspace en route to the UAE, a senior Trump administration official said. 

The agreement was reached just in time – hours before Israel’s first commercial flight to the UAE was planned, Reuters reported. 

Tourist visas will be granted for Israelis traveling to the UAE  

While the mutual visa waiver agreement is being finalized, the UAE launched tourist visas for Israeli citizens who plan to travel to their country. The same will apply to Emiratis visiting the Jewish state. 

Abu Dhabi’s foreign ministry “announced the activation of tourist entry visas through airlines and travel and tourism offices for Israeli passport holders,” the Emirates News Agency reported. 

This is the latest move in the normalization of ties between the two countries. They have already signed treaties on direct flights and visa-free travel as well as accords on investment protection, science and technology, according to The Times of Israel. 

Iran plans to ramp up uranium enrichment and bar nuclear inspectors 

In response to the assassination of its top nuclear scientist, Iran enacted a law ordering an immediate increase of its enrichment of uranium to levels closer to weapons-grade fuel. The law also requires the expulsion of international nuclear inspectors if U.S. oil and banking sanctions are not lifted by early February. 

The level of uranium enrichment would give Iran the ability to convert its entire stockpile to bomb-grade levels within six months, The New York Times reported. 

It’s not clear if this is the full retaliation of Iran in response to the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. He was regarded by U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies as the guiding force of previous Iranian efforts to design a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials have vowed to avenge his death. 

U.S. issues new Iran-related sanctions 

According to a statement released by the U.S. Treasury Department, fresh sanctions have been imposed on Shahid Meisami Group and its director, The Jerusalem Post reported. 

The entity is accused of being involved in Iran’s chemical weapons research and being linked to the Iranian Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, which is blacklisted by the U.S. and formerly headed by Iran’s top nuclear scientist who was killed on November 27. 

The move comes days after the assassination of Fakhrizadeh. On Saturday, Iran’s supreme leader promised to retaliate for the killing. This raises the threat of a new confrontation with the West and Israel in the final weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency, Yahoo News reported. 

“Iran’s development of weapons of mass destruction is a threat to the security of its neighbors and the world,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement. “The United States will continue to counter any efforts by the Iranian regime to develop chemical weapons that may be used by the regime or its proxy groups to advance their malign agenda.” 

Let us pray together 

Please pray with me for:  

• Additional countries to normalize ties with Israel and for those that have to work together to an even greater degree, like the UAE 

• Protection for Israel from any potential attacks by Iran in retaliation for the assassination of their top nuclear scientist 

• Wisdom and protection for the people of Israel as the number of new coronavirus cases are rising 

• Continued success of clinical trials to produce effective vaccines and for Israel to get access to the necessary vaccines when they are available 

• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah and the light of the world during Chanukah 

On this first night of Chanukah, we remember God’s miraculous provision of light.

Messianic Jewish Chanukah Blessings – 1st Night

Place a candle in the far-right holder of your chanukiah. As you light the Shamash, or Servant Candle, recite the first night’s Messianic Jewish Chanukah blessings:

Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and has given us Yeshua the Messiah, the Light of the World.

Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.

Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.

Candle Lighting

Using the Shamash, light the first Chanukah candle. Return it to its place. Let the candles go out on their own. They should burn for a least half an hour.

Devotion

The Jewish people had been living in dark days. They’d been persecuted and murdered for refusing to renounce the one true God, and His holy Temple had been violated. It was defiled with a statue of Zeus, desecrated by the sacrifice of a pig, and its sanctified elements and resources were vandalized. No warm glow came from the Temple menorah. The lampstand stood darkened.

As the Jewish people set things in order for the Lord’s Temple, they found only enough oil to burn one night in the menorah. It would take eight days to produce more. But they couldn’t stand the thought of Adonai’s Temple remaining darkened any longer by the evil done to it. They wanted to rededicate this holy sanctuary to the Lord. So, they lit the menorah – and God provided light for all eight nights.

When the time was right in history, God sent His promised Messiah into a world darkened by sin. At Chanukah, we remember Yeshua (Jesus), “the Light of the World,” who came to deliver us from bondage to sin and give us His eternal light and life.

From the Lord’s Word

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. ––Isaiah 9:2 NIV (also Matthew 4:16)

Yeshua spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. The one who follows Me will no longer walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ––John 8:12

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ––John 1:4

“As light I have come into the world, so that everyone who trusts in Me should not remain in darkness.” ––­­John 12:46

Prayer

Yeshua, Light of the World, thank You for coming to be our salvation from sin. Thank You for Your light, shining with hope and goodness. O, how we need Your light. In a world that seems to grow darker by the day, we rejoice in the light of Your truth and the life You have given us. We praise You, Lord, and thank You for Your presence with us always.

When you think of Chanukah, it’s almost certain that a Chanukah menorah comes to mind. This iconic candle holder is actually called a chanukiah and is different from a menorah. A menorah has seven branches, while a chanukiah has nine candle holders, including one set apart from the others.  

While a Gentile may not know where their Christmas tree’s tradition came from, Jewish people and Messianic Jews know exactly why they light their Chanukah candles. 

Chanukah and its candelabra are loaded with meaning – meaning that can bless Gentile Believers in Yeshua too. Chanukah is an eight-day commemoration of a victory, a miracle, light and rededication. The holiday is also called the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication.  

The Chanukah Legend 

In the second century B.C.E., Antiochus IV ruled the Jewish people. He severely persecuted them, forcing idol worship through brutal violence and killing any who refused. He took over the Temple in Jerusalem and desecrated it by erecting a statue of the Greek god Zeus and sacrificing a pig on the altar.  

A small band of Jewish revolutionaries, known as the Maccabees, had enough of the persecution and blasphemy of God’s Temple. They fought back.  By God’s miraculous provision, the vastly outnumbered fighters won and took back the Temple for the one true God. 

The Temple’s defiled state so disturbed God’s people that they wanted to purify and rededicate it to the Lord as quickly as possible. They searched through the violated remains and only found enough consecrated oil to burn one night in the Temple menorah. It would take eight days to make and consecrate more. In faith, they lit the menorah, and God made that one night’s worth of oil last until the new oil was ready. 

Chanukah’s Meaning 

Chanukah’s eight candles symbolize these eight miraculous days. They represent another of the many times God intervened to deliver His people from destruction. They speak of light, hope and victory that are found in God alone, and they invite us to rededicate our lives to Him.  

This is what Chanukah is about and what the iconic symbol of the chanukiah represents.  

Chanukah Celebrations 

On the first night of Chanukah, we light one candle. On the second night, two, and so forth until the last night, all eight candles vibrantly burn. Tradition forbids using the Chanukah candles for anything other than commemorating the holiness of the Chanukah miracle, so we do not use them to light each other, nor do we light them with a match. Instead, we first light the ninth candle in the chanukiah and use it to light the other eight Chanukah candles. This candle is called the Shamash, which means “servant.” It is set apart from the eight Chanukah candles, typically by sitting higher. 

Along with this nightly candle lighting, we celebrate Chanukah with gatherings of family and friends, enjoying festive meals together and eating fatty foods that symbolize the miracle of the oil. We give gifts each night, often of increasing value. We also play the dreidel game whose elements proclaim, “A great miracle happened there” – unless you’re in Israel, where the dreidel letters represent “A great miracle happened here.”  

A Messianic Jewish Perspective on Chanukah 

Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) observed Chanukah; in John 10:22, we see Him attending the Feast of Dedication. As we consider the Shamash candle, we remember that Scripture presents Messiah as the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53) and the One who came to serve us by giving His life to ransom us from sin (Matthew 20:28). He is also the Light of the World, enabling those who walk in Him to no longer walk in spiritual darkness but in His light (John 8:12). 

The iconic Chanukah candelabra spurs us to not only worship the Lord for the Chanukah miracles of victory and light which He accomplished for Israel so long ago but also to praise Him for the miracles of new and eternal life He has given us through Messiah. May we earnestly rededicate our lives to Him in this beautiful season. 

Follow our daily Chanukah devotionals on the Jewish Voice Blog. Each night as you light your Chanukah candles, you can follow along with traditional Messianic Jewish Chanukah blessings plus devotions and Scriptures tying the ancient Jewish holiday to your faith in Jesus. 

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Jonathan Bernis's Radio Interview About Chanukah and Christmas

It’s time for the Festival of Lights – Chanukah! Chanukah commemorates the victory God gave the ancient Jewish people as the brave Maccabees resisted Greek efforts to force them into idol worship.

The chanukiah – the nine-branched candelabra specifically used during this eight-night festival – reminds us of how one day’s supply of oil miraculously lasted eight days. This provided enough time to make a fresh batch of the special oil suitable for the newly rededicated Temple.

Each Chanukah, this miracle of provision reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His people, especially during challenging times. This year, it’s a particularly meaningful opportunity to recall the many ways the Lord has been faithful to us at Jewish Voice Ministries throughout this unusual and unsettling year.

Here are eight ways we are thanking the Lord for what He has provided this year. Will you join us in thanking Him for His faithfulness in 2020 and praying for these same areas for 2021?

Protection

• Thank you, Lord, for Your protection this year, especially during our Outreach in February when we experienced violent opposition for the Good News’ sake
• Please protect us now and through all of 2021 as we take the Gospel wherever You lead

Outreaches

• Praise You, Lord, that during a global pandemic, You opened doors for us to walk through to deliver care, supplies, encouragement and news of salvation
• You are stirring our hearts for those still unreached. Please open even more doors in 2021 and provide clear discernment regarding Your timing, locations and strategies

Growing Congregations and Developing Leaders

• Thank you, Lord, that after several canceled trips this year, You provided a way for us to be with indigenous Messianic congregational leaders in person this month
• Lord, may our December visit have maximum effect. Please give us wisdom for even more effective ministry to these leaders and congregations in 2021

Ministering to Children

• Lord, against the odds, You chose this year to grow our ministry to children in Africa. Thank You!
• During 2021 and beyond, please expand that ministry through the resources, strategies and workers You provide

Blessing Israel

• Thank You, Lord, for the outpouring of support for Israel during our “Night of Promise” event in May as we partnered with so many Believers in standing with Israel during Shavuot/Pentecost
• In 2021, please enable us to expand our partnership with others in blessing the people of Israel

Fostering Understanding Between Jewish and Gentile People

• Lord, thank You for the launch of the podcast “A Jew and a Gentile Discuss” and how it is bringing greater understanding between Jewish people and Gentiles
• Please use this podcast, and other means, in 2021 to help many people grasp Your heart for Israel and Your people around the world

Provision

• Father, we could never have anticipated how this year would impact the global economy, but You knew. Thank You for how You have provided, allowing us to provide for others
• Lord, may Your provision enable us to do all You are calling us to in 2021

Partners

• Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of having such wonderful partners who are devoted to You and Your Chosen People
• Please bless, refresh and provide for them as we move into next year, ready to serve You together

As we consider these eight “lights” of God’s provision this year, we are also reminded of the ninth candle on the chanukiah, often found in the center. It’s called the shamash or “servant” candle and is used to light the other eight.

In the same way, Jesus has been the center of everything we’ve done this year. He has inspired and motivated us even more strongly regarding the importance of taking the message that He is Savior, Messiah, and Light of the World to everyone we can – as soon and as clearly as we can. Thank you for partnering in prayer with us this year and next!

COMING SOON!

It’s time to renew our commitment to pray that all God’s purposes come to pass in 2021 – especially for His people in Israel and around the world. Watch for information about a new Jewish Voice Ministries prayer initiative to launch us into the New Year refreshed, refueled and recommitted to prayer.

“The Lord gives strength to His people; 

the Lord blesses His people with peace.” 

(Psalm 29:11 NIV) 

I pray that you had a blessed Thanksgiving weekend.  

Even though we’re surrounded on every side by events and circumstances that can steal our joy, we can remain confident in God’s continued presence and blessing. 

I know that I spent time this long weekend being reminded that God is in control in circumstances that feel shaky at best, and overwhelming at times.  

I’m so thankful to count you among our friends and supporters here at Jewish Voice. As we look to the final month of the year, here are a few of the news stories of note. 

One story that has led to a wide variety of headlines over the past several days is the assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist last Friday. It’s not clear who is responsible for the attack, but news outlets in Iran have reported different accounts of what transpired.  

Iranian leaders have vowed to avenge the scientist’s death and continue his work on nuclear progress for the nation. News reports say Iranian officials believe the assassination was carried out by Israel or an opposition group inside Iran. 

In coronavirus news, there is concern about the increase in patients requiring ventilators and the number of new cases in Israel. One outcome of this is Israel Defense Forces have issued a formal notice to soldiers in closed units to be prepared for another on-base lockdown for up to a month. In good news, vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca are showing encouraging results in their clinical trials.  

Below you’ll find more details. With all that’s going on, let’s continue to pray for the Jewish people – please join me in praying for the Lord to give strength to His people and bless them with peace. Thank you. 

Conflicting reports on how the top Iranian nuclear scientist was assassinated  

There were conflicting accounts from Iranian news agencies about how the attack on Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a top Iranian nuclear scientist, was carried out. 

The semi-official Fars News Agency said he was shot by a remote-controlled machine gun operating out of another car. The agency report said the scientist was traveling with his wife in a bulletproof car with three security personnel vehicles when Fakhrizadeh heard what sounded like bullets hitting a vehicle. He then exited the car to determine what had happened.  

At that point, the remote-controlled machine gun fired from a Nissan about 160 yards away. He was hit at least three times. The agency says the Nissan exploded and the attack lasted three minutes. 

CNN could not independently confirm Fars News’ version of the events. 

The semi-official Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) also reported Fakhrizadeh’s vehicle was hit by gunfire, followed by an explosion and additional gunfire. The ISNA cited Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami as its source. 

“Based on reports received from members of his security detail, Mr. Fakhrizadeh's vehicle was initially targeted by gunfire, after which a Nissan vehicle laden with explosives was set off in close proximity to them as gunfire, targeting their vehicle, was continuing,” Hatami was quoted as saying. 

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, a state television outlet, the explosion occurred first and then gunfire by attackers. 

On Monday, Iranian news sites reported that the attack that killed Fakhrizadeh, the alleged architect of Iran’s nuclear weapons program, was carried out using an Israeli-manufactured weapon controlled by satellite. 

Iran’s English-language Press TV reported a weapon recovered from the scene of the attack bore “the logo and specifications of the Israeli military industry.” No images of this alleged weapon were published, according to The Times of Israel. 

Iranian leaders blame Israel for assassination 

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was among the country’s leaders who blamed Israel for the attack on Fakhrizadeh. He promised retaliation, saying during a cabinet meeting Saturday, “The think tanks and the enemies of Iran must know that the Iranian nation and the officials in charge in the country are brave and determined to respond to the murder in time.” 

The assassination, Rouhani said, was carried out at “the filthy hands of oppressors, in concert with the illegitimate Zionist regime.” 

Iran has provided no evidence of Israeli involvement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office declined to comment to CNN on Friday. 

Iran defense minister vows revenge after killing of top nuclear scientist 

At the funeral of Fakhrizadeh, Defense Minister General Amir Hatami warned that the killing would be avenged, according to The Times of Israel. 

“The enemy knows full well that he cannot commit a crime without getting a response from the Iranian people. The martyr’s blood will be remembered forever and the enemy made a mistake with this assassination,” said Hatami, according to Hebrew-language reports. 

“The assassination of the scientist will not stop the progress of Iran’s nuclear program but will only accelerate it. The response will come with certainty,” Hatami added. 

He said Fakhrizadeh’s killing would make Iranians “more united, more determined.” 

Israel sees sharp rise in coronavirus patients requiring ventilators 

In the 24-hour period from Sunday to Monday evening, Israel’s Health Ministry says there has been an increase of 30 coronavirus patients requiring ventilator support. One of the patients is a teenager and six of them are in their 40s. 

The Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center reported an overall increase in the spread of the infection over the past week and says it cannot be explained simply by an increase in testing. For three straight days last week there were more than a thousand new cases reported per day, according to YNet News. 

The majority of the newly infected people appear to be from the Arab sector (50.4%), according to the Center, with 42.4% from the general sector and 7.1% from the ultra-Orthodox. 

Moderna seeks emergency approval of vaccine after successful study results 

On Monday, pharmaceutical company Moderna said it would ask U.S. and European regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine as new study results show the shot offers strong protection. 

Over the weekend, Moderna got final results that suggest the vaccine is more than 94% effective, according to The Times of Israel. 

Upon learning the results, Dr. Tal Zaks, Moderna’s Israeli chief medical officer, said, “I allowed myself to cry for the first time. We have already, just in the trial, have already saved lives. Just imagine the impact then multiplied to the people who can get this vaccine.” 

Zaks told The Jerusalem Post that Israel will be among the first in line for Moderna’s vaccine. Israel’s contract with Moderna is to receive at least two million doses – enough to vaccinate one million people. The first doses are expected to arrive sometime at the beginning of 2021. 

Let us pray together 

Please pray with me for:  

• Protection for Israel from any potential attacks by Iran in retaliation for the assassination of Fakhrizadeh – which many Iranian leaders are blaming on Israel 

• Wisdom and protection for the people of Israel as coronavirus numbers are rising 

• Continued success of clinical trials to produce effective vaccines and for Israel to get access to the necessary vaccines when they are available 

• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah and to discover the peace that can only be found in Him