The Festival of the Brave & the Free

Friday, January 8, 2021

Chanukah is one of the few holy days that would not have existed without courage. Antiochus Epiphanes, ruler of the Greek-Syrian Empire decided to wipe out the Jewish faith. He defiled the Temple of Jerusalem, darkened its lamp, and set up a statue of Zeus and commanded all of Israel to worship it. It looked as if the Jewish faith was about to be completely extinguished. But then one man said, "No." "I won't abandon my faith." And his sons followed. They were called the Maccabees. They took a stand and fought against all odds, outnumbered and out armed, they defeated the entire Syrian Empire. The Temple was restored, its lamp was relit, and Israel was set free. And not long after that, a baby was born in Bethlehem who would be called the Light of the World. Chanukah is called the Festival of Freedom but it's also the Festival of Courage. If you are God's child, you are called to be free - but to be free you must become a man or woman of courage, by faith in God. When all looks darkest and hopeless, stand and you will see the Lord's victory.

From Message #1220 - The Chanukizers