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, our God, King of the universe, who has performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.
Candle Lighting
Using the Shamash, light the Chanukah candles in the opposite direction from which you placed them in the holders. Light them from left to right. Return the Shamash to its place. Let the candles go out on their own, and they should burn for a least half an hour.
Devotion
Setting the Temple back in order, cleansing it and restoring the Temple light was for God’s glory. It was only right that His dwelling place be pure and shining the holy light He intended to burn there.
The menorah that glowed all night was reminiscent of God’s presence in the pillar of fire each night during the Israelite’s years of wandering in the wilderness. He never left them, and His light shone for all the neighboring peoples to see as well.
Jesus told us that we are to be His lights in this dark world. When we walk by His Spirit, He shines His light into all the world. As we do, we glorify the Lord. We draw others’ attention to Him so that they might see and believe in His Messiah too. At Chanukah, we remember that as God lights our lives, we are to be diligent to see that He shines through us for all the world to see and glorify Him.
From the Lord’s Word
You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. ––Psalm 18:28 NIV
Come house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of Adonai. ––Isaiah 2:5
For once you were darkness, but now in union with the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light. ––Ephesians 5:8
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a lampstand so it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. ––Matthew 5:14–16
Prayer
Lord, we praise You for Your light in our lives. We ask that You help us to live in such a way that shines forth Your amazing light, Your goodness and truth, Your grace and compassion. Help us to daily walk by Your Spirit so that Your presence will be evident to all we meet. And may You be glorified.
