Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
Although the holiday season is over for most Christians, January 2 is the final day of Hanukkah in the Jewish faith. It comes at a crucial time as the nation battles external forces like Hamas and yemen for its existence.
“It is not a coincidence that Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, which Jews around the world are celebrating this week, occurs during the darkest time of the year,” said Yael Eckstein, president and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. “It is only against the darkness that we are best able to see the light. And that is so true in what is happening in God’s Holy Land, Israel, right now. Against the darkness of war and suffering and loss, we are able to clearly see the miracles and light of Hanukkah through the actions of ordinary Israelis doing extraordinary things.”
This year’s Hanukkah celebrations have taken on deeper significance as Jewish communities worldwide gather against the backdrop of ongoing conflict. Although Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of oil that lasted for eight days, it also celebrates the miraculous victory of a small ragtag group of Jews, known as the Maccabees, over a much more powerful enemy that was trying to destroy their faith. The story of Hanukkah is a story of survival. It’s a story of heroism. And it’s a story of miraculous victory — of light over darkness, freedom over oppression.
“This season of light and miracles is also a poignant reminder that the people of Israel are now more than 400 days into a battle for our very survival,” Eckstein said. “Like last year, we observe Hanukkah against a backdrop of war, suffering and loss. And as we have for thousands of years, we continue to defend our land and our faith, and trust that God will bless us with victory. With survival.”
As reported by Metro Voice News, Christians worldwide are being called to join in prayer for Israel during this significant time. “As we light the eight candles on our menorah during Hanukkah, we remember God’s protection, his providence and the many miracles that he performed for the Jewish people during those eight holy days. It is here in Israel that the miracles of Hanukkah took place, and it’s here that his miracles continue to take place. Just as God provided for his people then, he is providing for His people again.”
For the first time in its history, Israel is not alone, she said.
“As antisemitism reaches unprecedented levels, the Jewish people are more grateful than ever that we are joined in this fight by millions of Christians in America and around the world, who have steadfastly stood with Israel and the Jewish people and have remained committed to Israel’s right to exist,” Eckstein said. Metro Voice News reports that local congregations are finding ways to show solidarity during this challenging time. “During this holiest time of year, I ask our Christian friends to continue to light the way for their Jewish brothers and sisters with continued prayers and support. Together, like the Maccabees, we can overcome our enemies and conquer darkness with the light of faith.”
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
