On this Festival of Light – come and look for your jar of pure oil!
The holiday of Light is about the miracles that happened to the Jewish people at Hanukkah:
- The miracle of a few faithful believers in the Creator winning great victories over armies of “modern activists” (the “woke” generation of that era).
- The miracle of regaining control of the holy House of the LORD, and successfully cleansing it from the awful defilement and idols that the pagans had brought into it.
- The miracle of finding a jar of pure oil, buried under the trash, but still sealed and fit for use in the Holy Place.
- The miracle of that small jar, only enough for one day, somehow being able to light the holy Temple Menorah for eight days.
Our human spirits were created like lamps, to carry His Light: “The spirit of a person is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the innermost parts of his being.” (Prov. 20:27) In order for us to give out light, we too must find a jar of pure olive oil – a measure of faith. It begins with seeking for the Source of Light and faith.” For the fountain of life is with You; in Your Light we see light.” (Ps. 36:9)
Maybe we are only small lamps with tiny lights, but we’ve all seen how even one small light can push back darkness, making a pitch-black room less oppressive and easier to navigate. When lots of small lights come together, the effect is not only a bigger, stronger light, but a more hopeful and beautiful atmosphere. It’s the same with one person who has faith in the Creator – or a roomful of such people. Their surroundings take on that glow of cheerful confidence in GOD’s love and power, and people around them begin to ask: “Where do you get such hope and joy?”
That’s our opportunity to say to them: You can have it too, if you are willing to go to the Source.
“And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13)
Is your spirit dark, like an unlit lamp? Come to the Maker and Giver of Light. Let Him cleanse your spirit and make you fit for His holy presence. Search for that beginning measure of faith to start your small lamp. (He’s left one small, unspoiled jar for you to find, hidden somewhere nearby.) Break it open, pour it into your spirit. Dare to believe the Creator’s promise to give you “a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the cloak of praise instead of a disheartened [literally, “darkened”] spirit.” (Isa. 61:3)
How long will your one jar of oil last? You may be surprised. The same miracles that happened at Hanukkah can happen to us also, anywhere, anytime. That’s because the GOD of Hanukkah is the same, everywhere and always.
May this Hanukkah bring you the miracle of finding that small jar of pure oil, so that you can kindle a steady, beautiful flame of faith in the LORD of heaven and earth. May you bring Light and Hope to all those around you. And may you have the privilege of sending them also to the Source, to search for their own jar.
Be blessed by the Most High from Zion and Jerusalem,
