Friday, December 11, 2020

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 11 December 2020

 

Hanukkah

 

“Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:12-17)

 

Today’s Morsel:  Hanukkah begins at sunset Thursday, December 10, 2020, and ends at nightfall Friday, December 18, 2020.  It is a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.  It is also known as the Festival of Lights.  Why does it seem that the month of December is often associated with many lights?  People begin to decorate their homes with lights. They decorate trees with lights. Stores begin to put up more lights for the holiday season.  We seem to be able to see more stars in the sky during this month.  Why is it that the closer we get to the season we call Christmas, there are more lights?  Because we celebrate Jesus' birth during this month and Jesus is the light of the world.  As the apostle John informs us, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.(1 John 1:5)  And Jesus states, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)  Are you letting your light shine brightly this month?  I hope so.  

 

Sing:  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

 

Thought For Today: You may be the light that leads someone out of darkness. (Parker)

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