JEWISH VOICE BLOG

December 14, 2020

On this fifth night of Chanukah, we rejoice in our miracle-working Lord. Messianic Jewish Chanukah Blessings Place five 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,...

December 13, 2020

On this fourth night of Chanukah, we give thanks for the everyday victories the Lord has made possible for us. Messianic Jewish Chanukah Blessings Place four 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 Wor...

December 12, 2020

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 ...

December 11, 2020

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, ou...

December 10, 2020

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...

December 10, 2020

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, ...

December 10, 2020

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 load...

December 09, 2020

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 ...

December 07, 2020

It was one of the most pivotal conversations Jesus had with His disciples. He began by inquiring who people believed Him to be. Then, He asked them directly, “Who do you say that I am?” “You are the Messiah,” Peter declared, “the Son of the living God!” From that moment on, things changed. While Jesus told the disciples not to tell anyone else that He was the Messiah, He began sharing plainly with these chosen few that He must suffer, die and be raised on the thir...

December 03, 2020

“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 tha...