“Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?’” Matt. 2:1-2

I have a dear friend who is Jewish, a follower of Christ, and a pastor of a small Messianic congregation in Colorado.  He fervently believes that Christmas is a much a Jewish holiday as it is a Gentile one, and that Hanukkah (the Feast of Lights or Feast of Dedication) and Christmas have much in common – the celebration of Light. Hanukkah is the celebration of the “light” that miraculously burned for eight days with only one day’s worth of oil.  Christmas celebrates the One who miraculously came as the true “light” – Jesus Christ (Messiah).

You will remember that at Jesus’ dedication in the Temple, Simeon referred to the child as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel”.  While Christmas may be perceived as a “gentile” holiday, we do well to remember that Gentile believers belong to a Jewish tree (as grafted branches) whose root is Jesus, the Jewish Messiah (see Romans 11).

As we celebrate Christmas this week, it is a good time to remember our roots and acknowledge that we celebrate the birth of a Jewish Messiah who is the Prince of Peace and Savior of all men – Jew and Gentile.  Perhaps, along with the other lights that we display during the Christmas season, the Menorah ought also to be included as a reminder that Jesus is the true eternal Light that shines in those who are now His temple.  So, this year I wish you a Happy Hanukkah and Christmas Shalom!

FANNING THE FLAME

While it is not necessary to embrace Jewish traditions to celebrate Christmas, it is a good time to remind our grandchildren of our roots, to thank God for our Jewish heritage, and to pray for our Jewish brothers in Christ and for Jews around the world to see Jesus of Nazareth for who He really is – their Jewish Messiah and King.

GRANDPAUSE: “Hanukkah and Christmas!  God’s wondrous plan to bring together Jew and Gentile to be His glorious church full of His Light and Glory.” – Roy Lessin