Embracing Light: Jesus, Service, and Holiday Reflections
Summary
In a sermon delivered by Pastor Dwayne at TAG Church on Sunday, December 24, 2023, the congregation was invited to explore the significance of Jesus as the Messiah and the importance of serving others with love. The sermon intertwined the celebration of Hanukkah with the Christmas season, emphasizing the shared themes of light and dedication.
The sermon began with a narrative about a young girl named Zoe who discovers the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, through her neighbors, the Kaplans. Zoe and her family are introduced to the traditions of Hanukkah, including the lighting of the menorah, the eating of sufganiot (jelly donuts), and playing with dreidels. The Kaplans light their menorahs and share a blessing in Hebrew, which Mrs. Kaplan translates into English. This experience leads Zoe to reflect on her own dedication to God and the teachings of Jesus.
Pastor Dwayne shared a personal story about a friend with a graduate degree in Messianic theology who generously provided Christmas gifts for the children of the church. These gifts included a Christmas storybook, ornaments featuring a menorah and the Star of David, and Merry Christmas sunglasses. The congregation was then led in a chorus of "Merry Christmas" to spread holiday cheer.
The sermon also recounted how Zoe learned about the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days during the time of the Maccabees, as told by Mr. Kaplan. This story highlighted the theme of God's provision and the light of the Messiah, who walked in the temple during the Feast of Dedication.
In another part of the sermon, Zoe helps her father hang Christmas lights and learns about the menorah, or "manora" as she initially calls it, from her neighbor Zava. Zava explains the significance of the menorah and the servant candle, the shamash, drawing a parallel to Messiah Yeshua as the light of the world.
Finally, the speaker engaged the congregation by discussing their Christmas wish lists and emphasizing the importance of being still to receive their presents. The speaker introduced the story of Hanukkah with the intent to teach the congregation about the holiday, asking if they were ready to hear the story titled "Zoey discovers Hanukkah at Christmas."
Key Takeaways:
- The celebration of Hanukkah serves as a powerful reminder for Christians to rededicate their lives to God, just as the Jewish people rededicate themselves during this Festival of Lights. The menorah's candles symbolize the light of Christ, who declared Himself the light of the world, and encourage believers to shine brightly in service to others. [01:18:36]
- The act of giving, as demonstrated by Pastor Dwayne's friend, reflects the heart of the Christmas season. The unique gifts that blend Jewish and Christian symbols serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the two faiths and the shared heritage that culminates in the Messiah. [01:21:12]
- The story of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days is a testament to God's faithfulness and provision. It challenges believers to trust in God's ability to sustain them, even in situations that seem impossible. [01:15:08]
- The shamash, or servant candle, on the menorah is not only a functional tool to light the other candles but also a symbol of Christ's servanthood. As Christians, we are called to emulate this servant leadership in our own lives, serving others with humility and love. [01:11:45]
- The anticipation and stillness required to receive Christmas presents can be likened to the spiritual posture believers should have in anticipation of God's blessings. Being quiet and still before God allows one to be receptive to His gifts and guidance. [01:09:07]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 8:12 (NIV) - "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.'"
2. Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
3. John 10:22-23 (NIV) - "Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key elements of the Hanukkah celebration as described in the sermon? ([01:13:42])
2. How did Zoe's understanding of the menorah and its significance evolve throughout the story? ([01:14:30])
3. What gifts did Pastor Dwayne's friend provide for the children, and what was their significance? ([01:21:12])
4. How did the story of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil relate to the theme of God's provision? ([01:17:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the symbolism of the menorah's servant candle (shamash) relate to Jesus' role as the light of the world? ([01:14:30])
2. In what ways does the celebration of Hanukkah encourage Christians to rededicate their lives to God? ([01:18:36])
3. How can the act of giving, as demonstrated by Pastor Dwayne's friend, reflect the heart of the Christmas season and the interconnectedness of Jewish and Christian faiths? ([01:21:12])
4. What does the story of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil teach us about trusting in God's provision in seemingly impossible situations? ([01:17:12])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to serve others with love and humility. How can you continue to embody the servant leadership of Christ in your daily life? ([01:14:30])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of being still to receive God's blessings. What practical steps can you take to create moments of stillness and receptivity in your life? ([01:09:07])
3. How can you incorporate the themes of light and dedication from Hanukkah into your own celebration of Christmas this year? ([01:18:36])
4. Think about a specific way you can shine the light of Christ in your community. What actions can you take this week to make a positive impact? ([01:13:42])
5. Pastor Dwayne's friend gave unique gifts that blended Jewish and Christian symbols. How can you use your own gift-giving to reflect the interconnectedness of faith and share the message of the Messiah? ([01:21:12])
6. The story of the Maccabees challenges us to trust in God's provision. Identify a current challenge in your life and discuss how you can rely on God's faithfulness to sustain you through it. ([01:17:12])
7. How can you encourage your family and friends to rededicate their lives to God during this holiday season? What specific traditions or practices can you introduce to foster this dedication? ([01:18:36])
Devotional
Day 1: Rededication Through the Light of Christ
As the menorah's candles are kindled, they beckon believers to reflect upon their own spiritual journey, inviting a rededication to God's purpose. The light of Christ, symbolized by the menorah, illuminates the path of service to others, encouraging a life that radiates love and compassion. This act of rededication is a personal commitment to shine brightly in a world that often dwells in darkness. [01:18:36]
Zechariah 4:6 - "So he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."
Reflection: How can you rededicate your life to reflect the light of Christ in your daily interactions?
Day 2: The Generosity of the Messiah's Heart
The act of giving, especially during the Christmas season, is a profound expression of the Messiah's love. The blending of Jewish and Christian symbols in gifts serves as a tangible reminder of the shared heritage and the Messiah's inclusive embrace. This generosity is not just about the giving of material presents but also about the sharing of one's time, love, and attention with those in need. [01:21:12]
Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Reflection: What are some ways you can practice generosity today, reflecting the heart of the Messiah in your own life?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Sustaining Power
The story of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil is a powerful illustration of God's unwavering faithfulness. It serves as a reminder that even in the most dire circumstances, God's provision is sufficient. Believers are called to trust in God's ability to sustain them, recognizing that His power often shines brightest when human strength is at its weakest. [01:15:08]
2 Kings 4:2-4 - "Elisha replied to her, 'How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?' 'Your servant has nothing there at all,' she said, 'except a small jar of olive oil.' Elisha said, 'Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.'"
Reflection: Can you identify a situation in your life where you need to trust more in God's provision rather than your own efforts?
Day 4: Emulating the Servant Leadership of Christ
The shamash, or servant candle, is a poignant symbol of Christ's role as the servant leader. Just as the shamash lights the other candles, Christ came to serve and to light the way for humanity. This example calls believers to a life of humble service, where leadership is characterized by giving rather than receiving, and by elevating others above oneself. [01:11:45]
Matthew 20:26-28 - "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate servant leadership in your community or workplace this week?
Day 5: Anticipating God's Blessings in Stillness
The anticipation of receiving gifts at Christmas can teach us about the spiritual posture necessary to receive God's blessings. Being still before God, away from the noise and distractions of life, allows one to be open and receptive to His presence and guidance. This stillness is not passive but an active and expectant waiting that prepares the heart for the gifts God has in store. [01:09:07]
Lamentations 3:25-26 - "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a practice of stillness in your daily routine to become more receptive to God's voice and blessings?
Quotes
"After they defeated the mean ruler and his army, the Maccabees cleaned and rededicated the holy place and the holy items to God like the Giant Temple menorah. After the war, the menorah needed oil and the rabbis say the little bit of oil that was left kept the menorah lit for eight days while messengers went to get fresh oil." [01:17:12] (Download)
"One thing we remember at this season is the day Messiah walked in the temple during the Feast of Dedication. Does anybody know who he's talking about when he says the Messiah, anybody?" [01:17:57] (Download)
"The servant candle reminds us of our Messiah who came to be the servant of all. We too should serve others with love and finally, this holiday of dedication reminds us every year to rededicate our lives to God." [01:18:36] (Download)
"One candle is special, it is the shamash or the servant candle. We have to light all the other candles with the servant candle." [01:14:30] (Download)
"Zava replied my mommy and daddy told me it's like the light of Messiah Yeshua, the servant. When he was here, he said I am the light of the world." [01:14:30] (Download)
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