Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is supposed to be a time of light, hope and joy for the Jewish people. It’s a celebration of God’s miraculous provision that kept the flames burning during the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago.
Heartbreakingly, this year, for many Israeli families, Hanukkah is a time of anxiety and fear as they yearn to be reunited with their babies, fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers still in captivity. It’s a time of anguish as they mourn the loss of their loved ones. These feelings extend to the Jewish diaspora as Jews globally, and even Hanukkah itself, have come under attack.
The Hanukkiah (Hanukkah Menorah) is the symbol of the holiday, and we have seen menorahs vandalised and desecrated this year on a scale unlike other years. Some of these lights have been stopped from shining altogether as local councils have cancelled Hanukkah celebrations, either for fear of being attacked, or because they think celebrating Hanukkah would be seen as a sign of support for Israel.
The world is a dark place right now for the Jewish people, and too often the Jewish people have been left alone to fight their battles. As antisemitism rises to record levels globally, and as the world disdains Israel for dealing with the evil of Hamas, we must ensure that Israel knows they are not alone.
Christians must be a light for the Jewish people in this dark world, demonstrating that if anyone stands with the Jewish people, it is Christians. We understand the truth of God’s Word and the importance God has placed on the land and people of Israel. We understand that God’s promises for Israel are as true today as they were 2,000 years ago, and we continue to witness God’s miraculous provision.
This Hanukkah, let’s be a light for the Jewish people. Please prayerfully consider donating to support our CUFI Cares initiative which is providing medical and humanitarian assistance to Israel. When Israelis receive a physical blessing from Christians living in another country, it speaks volumes. To donate, please click here, or click on the ‘Aaronic Blessing Magnet’ button below. Alternatively, you can call our office on 01793 862 210 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).
Let’s also be a light for the Jewish people with our prayers. We are praying for the Israelis still held hostage in Gaza, as well as their families who anxiously await their return. We are also praying for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones and for the soldiers fighting on the front lines against Hamas.
There are many Christians around the world who love and stand with Israel, but love is not just what you say, love is what you do. Let’s act today and be a light for the Jewish people so they can know they are not alone in this dark world.
