First Night of Hanukkah

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah.

Our family is Christian, but we loosely observe a few of the Biblical holidays, as well as Hanukkah (which Jesus observed), as we believe that Christians are adopted Jews. Since several of my sisters are adopted, our family has a neat perspective on how adopted children can honor their families by observing and participating in the celebrations of their new family. Just as my sisters began celebrating holidays with us when they became a part of our family, so we believe it pleases the Lord when we, as Christians, adopted into our Lord’s family, begin to honor and celebrate the feasts He mandated.

Now, because we are under grace, and because we are not orthodox Jews, we don’t hold to strict observances of any of these holidays. (And we don’t even observe them all, just some.) But I believe it makes Abba smile when He sees that we choose to honor the celebrations He designed for His family.

And so tonight, once we’re all home (those of us who still live here anyway ), we’ll light the shamash and use it to light the first candle on the hanukkiah as we thank the Lord for His light, His provision, and His deliverance.