From Grinchmas To Christmas

This is Part 4 of my series on the meaning of Christmas. In Part 1, I showcased how the Christmas that Christians celebrate is not pagan, and it’s not a sin to celebrate Christmas. In Part 2, we learned the depth beyond the surface about the Christmas miracle of the incarnation. In Part 3, we learned the depth beyond the surface of light being part of the Christmas celebration. And for this fourth part, which will conclude my series, we’re going to extract important biblical truths from a beloved Christmas classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. So, I recommend that you pause this video right now and either go read or watch that classic, and then return to this message.

Now, assuming you have either read or watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas, let’s extract important biblical truths from that story.

For many people, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration; however, for some people, Christmas is a time of stress, frustration, anxiety, loneliness, sadness, or depression. So, whether you have lost the Christmas joy, have never had Christmas joy, or you merely a need a reminder as to why we need to keep Christmas joy, I want to provide you with The Seven C’s to overcoming Grinchmas, which will help you welcome and celebrate Christmas.

In Dr Seuss’s 1957 How The Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch is depicted as a grouchy creature, secluded in a cave. The Grinch lives on a cliff overlooking the cheerful, optimistic community of Whoville. The Grinch hates Christmas and the festivities celebrated during the season; he is irritated by the happiness of others and derives pleasure from spoiling other people’s enjoyment. Maybe you are a grinch. Perhaps someone else in your life is a grinch. Either way, joy can be obtained and retained. From the story of the Grinch, I think there are at least seven (7) biblical principles we can learn and apply to our lives:

(1) Comparison

The first thing mentioned in the story of the Grinch is that every Who liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch did not. The Grinch stood on a cliff, looking down on the Whos; his focus was on who they were, what they did, and what they had. Comparison creates the “I can’t” moments. The Grinch compared himself with every Who in Whoville – he compared himself with every Who’s smile, joy, laughter, and celebration. The comparison led him to realize that he did not possess what they had; likewise, they didn’t have the character traits he possessed. But instead of allowing that realization to lead him to repentance, he allowed himself to become miserable. Comparison can produce envy, and envy produces hatred. That hatred will either be directed toward the person being compared or the very person doing the comparison. The Grinch had pride; therefore, his hatred was directed toward every Who in Whoville. (Because the problem couldn’t possibly reside within himself, right?) …Are you comparing your life by others’ blessings? If I can be honest and confess my sin to you (James 5:16; 1John 1:8-10), I am guilty of sometimes envying others. And as a Christian, I know I shouldn’t do that (Exodus 20:17). Listen, it’s just the truth that comparing yourself to others will negatively affect how you view yourself. Consequently, how you view yourself will determine your attitude; inevitably, your attitude will determine your actions. But again, as Christians, we’re not supposed to compare ourselves with others. GOD created you to be unique. Embrace your own blessings and stop concerning yourself with what others have, where others are at in life, and what others are doing. You’re the absolute best at being you and doing what only you can do. No one else in the entire world is able to be you like you. Therefore, do what only you can do to the best of your ability.

(Galatians 6:4-5) -NLT
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”

(Proverbs 14:30) -NIV
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

(Galatians 1:10) -Voice
“Do you think I care about the approval of men or about the approval of God? Do you think I am on a mission to please people? If I am still spinning my wheels trying to please men, then there is no way I can be a servant of the Anointed One, the Liberating King.”

So, from these scriptures, GOD is telling us that we should not compare ourselves to others and envy others because we need to keep our focus on being obedient to what GOD has called each one of us to do, with our sole purpose of pleasing the Lord, not people. And as long as we’re doing what GOD is calling us to do, then we’re at the place we should be and we’re doing what we should be doing.

(2) Confinement

The Grinch lived in a cave by himself. He isolated himself. He had confined himself to his loneliness. Is it any wonder why the Who’s joy irritated him so much? The joy of others only revealed and amplified his own misery. The sound of their laughter traveled into his cave and it seemed to be directed toward his insecurities. The Who’s joy called attention to the very thing he was lacking. Understand this: when you isolate yourself, you are an easy target for demonic attack. Evil will invade your isolated and unguarded mind and infiltrate your thoughts. Remember: the lion seeks to attack the unfortunate animal that gets separated from the herd.

(1Peter 5:8) -ESV
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

(Proverbs 18:1) -ESV
“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.”

(Proverbs 27:17) -Voice
“In the same way that iron sharpens iron, a person sharpens the character of his friend.”

(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) -NLT
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

So, from these scriptures, GOD is telling us that life is not meant to be lived out alone. It is for this reason that GOD said in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” We need others. If we become isolated and separated from the body, then we will become easy targets for the enemy’s attack.

(3) Conviction

Examine the definition of the word, “grinch.”
Grinch: a mean-spirited, unfriendly, or overall unpleasant person who spoils other people’s fun or enjoyment or dampens the pleasure of others.

The creator of The Grinch, Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, explained in the December 1957 edition of Redbook, how he came up with the idea: “I was brushing my teeth on the morning of the 26th of last December when I noticed a very Grinch-ish countenance in the mirror. It was Seuss! So I wrote about my sour friend, the Grinch, to see if I could rediscover something about Christmas that obviously I’d lost.”

Dr. Seuss wrote the Grinch story based on himself due to the conviction he felt and then responded to.

Are you placing your focus on the negative aspects surrounding this Christmas season? Are you placing the focus on yourself and your problems? Is it possible that you need to rediscover something about Christmas you have obviously lost (or never found)? We are all familiar with the Grinch who stole Christmas, but we often neglect to see ourselves as the Grinch. Are you being a grinch without realizing it? The Grinch originated from a moment when Dr. Seuss confronted himself with the truth he saw in the mirror. Are you willing to look at yourself in the mirror? Are you willing to confront yourself with the truth? We often discover truth and enlightenment when we face and conquer our own demons. Are you ready to admit your shortcomings? If you have unrighteousness within you, are you ready to repent? Allow the Holy Spirit within you and He will bring Truth; with Truth comes conviction, and conviction is the reason Truth sets people free (John 8:32; 16:7-15).

(Proverbs 1:7) -ESV
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

(Proverbs 3:11-12) -NLT
“My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”

(Proverbs 12:1) -MSG
“If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it—how shortsighted to refuse correction!”

So, from those scriptures, GOD is telling us that we need to welcome the Holy Spirit to convict us of our wrongdoings, and we need to welcome correction and discipline. It is only because GOD loves us that He desires to correct us. GOD desires for us to grow and mature in righteousness. But conviction comes after being willing to confront the Grinch in the mirror. And so, while refusing to compare ourselves with others, we focus on our relationship with the Lord. However, focusing our relationship on the Lord without comparing ourselves to others does not involve isolating ourselves to a permanent state of solitary confinement. So, while we keep our focus on our relationship with the Lord, we continue to have consistent fellowship with the body; in doing so, we will naturally invite conviction, which will bring us to sincere repentance.

(4) Christ

Sincere repentance and acceptance of Christ as our Lord and Savior is prerequisite for salvation. Repentance leads to Christ, who is the center, the core. We don’t have CHRISTmas without Christ. Jesus came to be the sacrifice who would save us from ourselves. We simply couldn’t live up to the perfect standard of holiness that is required for us to dwell with the perfect and holy GOD, but Jesus came to be the Bridge that would forever reunite us with our Creator. This season is for our Savior. We celebrate the fact that GOD loves us so much that the Word became flesh (John 1:1-4,14) and lived out a perfectly sinless life (2Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26) in order to willingly sacrifice Himself for us (John 10:17-18) — He died so that we may live! We celebrate that Jesus was born into this world from a virgin in order to be the sinless sacrifice who would save us from ourselves. Because we could not reach GOD by our works, GOD came to us out of His grace and mercy.

(Matthew 1:20-21) -NLT
“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ ”

(5) Contentment

Once Jesus is the focus, we will no longer have the focus on others or even ourselves. If we truly realize how bad many people in this world have it in life, it should be easy to be content in any circumstance we find ourselves. This is the opposite side of comparison or envy. And this only happens after you cross the Bridge of Christ. This is how you battle those thoughts of comparing yourself with others. The moment you start to compare yourself with others to see how they might have it better than you, at the same time, you also have an opportunity to see how you have it better than others. There are, in fact, prisoners in the United States who live in greater comfort than those who are considered to be free in third world countries, who are mere skin and bone, starving to death. There are Christians in China, India, and other nations who are being martyred for their faith. The truth is that you are blessed and your life could always be worse than it is right now. The truth is that you are exactly where you need to be right now for GOD to take you to where He wants you to go so that He may bless you there. Our focus is not to be on the world and its ways (Matthew 6:24; John 15:18-21; 17:13-21; James 4:4). In fact, this world is going to come to an abrupt end and we will live in eternity on a new earth under new heavens (Isaiah 65-66; Matthew 24:36-44; 2Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21-22). Neither the Christmas season nor Christmas Day itself is about receiving gifts or possessing anything of monetary value – it is about celebrating salvation through our Savior! To find contentment, you need only to change your perspective. To find contentment, you need only to focus on Christ and what the Holy Spirit is calling you to do.

(Romans 12:1-2) -Voice
“Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship. Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.”

(Philippians 4:8-9, 11-13) -NLT
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you…. For I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

So, from those scriptures, GOD tells us that our perspective about our circumstances, our outlook on life, determines our ability to remain content. Essentially, our inner disposition should never be altered by our exterior circumstances; instead, our faith within us should embolden us to walk through any valley of the shadow of death. Why? Because the Lord is with us (Psalm 23). And if GOD is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

(6) Contribution

The Grinch stole all of the Who’s material possessions – everything of monetary value! And as the Grinch stood on the cliff, waiting to hear mourning and crying from Whoville, he heard joyful singing instead. After hours of pondering and self-examination, the Grinch finally realized that material items don’t bring joy; in fact, he discovered that the joy had already been within them. And that’s when the Grinch decided to return to them all of their gifts. In the process of doing so, the Grinch discovered joy in the act of giving. Why? Because to love others is to put them before yourself. So, what can you give? Your time? Love? Financial support? Maybe you’re good at cooking meals and can feed someone? Maybe you’re a gifted musician and you can play music for someone? Maybe you’re an excellent artist and you can draw a picture for someone? Perhaps you can simply be there for someone and provide a listening ear. There is always something you can do; there is always a way to give.

(Acts 20:33-35) -NLT
“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

(1Corinthians 13:4-8) –MSG
“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always ‘me first,’ doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.”

So, from these scriptures, GOD tells us that genuine contentment leads to loving contribution. GOD has loved us! Now, how can we love others?

(7) Camaraderie

After giving the [stolen] gifts back to everyone in Whoville, the Grinch joined the Whos for a feast. And so, even though the Grinch had discovered joy in giving, everyone in Whoville gave the Grinch a gift as well: forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-35). Understand this: GOD did not design us to do life alone. Our desire for contribution will naturally lead us to camaraderie, which means a mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.

In Acts 2:41-42, after everyone had been filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, it is written, “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

That word “fellowship” is the English translation of the Greek word κοινωνία [G2842] koinōnia (koy-nohn-ee’-ah), which is derived from the root κοινός [G2839] koinos (koy-nahs), which was a prefix in ancient Greek. If you were to add this prefix to words meaning “living,” “owning a purse,” “a dispute,” and “mother,” you would get words meaning “living in community together,” “owning a purse in common,” “a public dispute,” and “having a mother in common.” So, we see that the root of the word, “fellowship,” means “to hold something in common.” The Greek word koinonia was used to describe corporations, labor guilds, partners in a law firm, and the most intimate of marriage relationships. From the usage of the word, we can conclude that fellowship is a word denoting a relationship that is dependent on more than one individual. It is an interdependent relationship. Koinonia is used nineteen times in the New Testament and in addition to being translated as “fellowship” it is also translated by the words, “contribution,” “sharing,” and “participation.” A close study of the usage of this word shows that action is always included in its meaning. Fellowship, you see, is not merely being together in one place, but it’s also doing something together! Fellowship is a relationship of inner unity among believers that expresses itself in outer co-participation with Christ and one another in accomplishing GOD’s will on Earth.

By now, you should realize that you are already blessed. So, who can you bless this Christmas? Blessing others will bring you joy. Do you want to experience true Christmas joy? Then join forces with the body of Christ and then go out and bless others. Remember what Christ told us:

(Matthew 22:37-40) -NLT
“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

(Matthew 9:13) -ESV
“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

(Micah 6:8) -MSG
“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”

In conclusion, the seven C’s is the pathway we take to leave Grinchmas and arrive at Christmas. I challenge you to go bless others this Christmas and create the joy you seek to attain for yourself. Spread Christmas cheer and do it openly and loudly for all to hear. And if we love with a lasting impression, perhaps those who do not believe will catch a glimpse of Christ that will remain with them until that seed grows into understanding. And when it does, it will be just as it was with the Grinch when his small heart grew three sizes that day. So, go. Create joy. Bless others and praise GOD as you go.

The Meaning Of Christmas: Light Of The World (Hanukkah, Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication)

This is Part 3 in my series about the meaning of Christmas. In Part 1, I addressed the criticism about Christmas being pagan. In Part 2, we learned that GOD tabernacled in a sukkah, a greater and more perfect temple not made by human hands (Matthew 12:6; Hebrews 9:11). Christmas is all about the incarnation, the birth of the Savior, Christ Jesus. However, if the eternal Word entered into time within the world and tabernacled within the divinely designed body of Jesus, what did that mean for the world?

On the last day of Sukkot (Hoshana Rabbah), Jesus publicly declared Himself to be the Living Water and the Messiah, but He didn’t stop there. It is written in John 8:12, “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’ ”

Just as Jesus’s declaration to be the Living Water correlated with Sukkot, Jesus’s bold declaration to be the Light also correlated with the Festival of Tabernacles. Giant golden lampstands were lit in the Temple courtyard, and people carrying torches marched around the Temple, and then they set these lights around the walls of the Temple, indicating that the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6). According to the Mishnah (Sukkah 5:2-3), at the Temple “there were golden menorahs with golden bowls at the top of each…. There was not a courtyard in Jerusalem that was not lit by the light of the festivities.”

During Christmas season, Christians will often decorate their homes with lights and even use candles. But history reveals that even the faithful ones of ancient Judaism used light in their celebration via a menorah. But what is a menorah? It’s a uniquely designed lampstand. Why did they use it? Well, a lampstand, principally the seven-branched lampstand, was constructed initially for use in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-39) and placed in front of the inner curtain that shielded the ark of the covenant (Exodus 27:21). And so, Scripture informs us that the lampstand, though it has seven branches, was one solid piece of pure gold. Throughout the book of Exodus within the construction instructions, things were often purified (such as the gold for the table of Presence) or in one solid piece (such as the lampstand). Think: is the church of purity and in unity? Is the church one body with many parts functioning toward the same common goal? Is Christ the head and the center stem (1Corinthians 12:12-31; Colossians 1:15-20)? In Exodus 25:37, the seven lamps for the lampstand were to be set so that they would project their light forward. If we are part of the one unified body, are we shining our light forward? Whomever or whatever we reflect will determine our direction and projected path. Proverbs 27:19 says, “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.” For this reason, Jesus said that out from the heart (center/core) of a person will flow his/her true nature (Mark 7:20-23). Also, the menorah has the decorations of an almond tree and, as a tree in the midst of the place where GOD makes His presence known to humans, is to remind Israel of the garden of Eden. Thus, the menorah was to stay lit continually, 24 hours a day, and never allowed to be extinguished (Leviticus 24:1-4). The eternal flame symbolized GOD’s omnipresence. However, in order to keep the menorah lit continually, the priest had to ensure that its oil never ran out.

Eventually, a nine-branched menorah, called a hanukkiyah, became the central symbol of the Jewish festival Hanukkah. So, what is Hanukkah and what is the significance of having nine lamps rather than seven?

Examine John 10:22-30: “²² At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; ²³ it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. ²⁴ The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, ‘How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ ²⁵ Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. ²⁶ But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. ²⁷ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; ²⁸ and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.’ ”

So, the people who wanted Jesus to tell them plainly if He was the Messiah got extremely angry after He told them plainly that He is, and they wanted to stone Him to death (John 10:31). Now, they didn’t desire to stone Him to death because He claimed to be the Messiah, but because He made Himself equal with GOD (John 5:18; 10:33) and also told them, “you do not believe because you are not of My sheep.” So, Jesus rejected them. However, it’s important to understand that His rejection of them was based on their rejection of Him. Now, Jesus spoke those particular words during winter, at the Feast of Dedication, which is also known as Hanukkah. So, what is Hanukkah? Well, the word חֲנֻכָּה [H2598] hanukkah (kha’-noo-kah) simply means, “dedication” or “consecration.” But that leads us to a curious question: what was being dedicated or consecrated? Well, it was the Temple of GOD, but the festival was due to a past event when it had been rededicated and reconsecrated. But that leads us to another curious question: why would the Temple have been reconsecrated and rededicated unless it had been deconsecrated and defiled?

More than a century before the incarnation, there existed a viciously evil Seleucid king of Syria named Antiochus IV. After his expulsion from Egypt, he invaded Jerusalem to extend his power by forcing the Jews to Hellenize (enforce the “superior” Greek culture). Some Jews defected from the purity of Judaism and “adopted” Hellenism, which revolved around humanism that glorified human pleasure and self-centered desires. In short, they compromised, which allowed the enemy to infiltrate, inundate, indoctrinate, and then dominate. Eventually, an ultimatum was given to all the Jews: either the Jewish community must give up its distinctive customs (Shabbat, kosher laws, circumcision, etc.) or die. In fact, history reveals that Antiochus and his soldiers murdered over 80,000 Jews. Further, to prove his point and attempt to assert his superiority, Antiochus desecrated the Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus (whose image coincidentally resembled Antiochus), sacrificing an unclean pig on the altar, pouring the blood on the Scripture scrolls, and even insisting on being called “Epiphanes” (ep-ee’-fan-nace), which means “God manifest”. This blatant blasphemy sparked a major military and social conflict, which exploded into what is now known as the Maccabean Revolt. Pious faithful Jews went to war to protect their essential Judaism against the danger of Hellenizing Jews, whose collaboration with Hellenistic rulers eventually brought about laws against being Jewish, that living out the Torah was illegal. In other words, the government of that day tried to usurp GOD’s authority and override GOD’s Word. Antiochus had conducted a reign of terror for three years until his defeat by the “Maccabees,” which is from an Aramaic word מַקָּבָה [H4717] maqāḇâ (mak-kaw-baw’), meaning “hammer.” A man named Judah/Judas (Y’hudah) – who was a son of the Hasmonean priest Mattathias – was known as the leader of this revolt and was given the nickname of “Maccabeus,” presumably because of his effectiveness in battle. Just as Peter and the other apostles would later say in Acts 5:29, “we must obey God rather than men,” the Maccabees had declared the same. And against all odds, Judah(s) and everyone else who joined him prevailed over Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) in 164 BC and then led the reconsecration and rededication of the Temple on 25^th of their ninth month (Kislev), which is now celebrated as Hanukkah (the Feast of Dedication). Therefore, Hanukkah commemorates this awesome victory over an evil tyrant, who was a type of the future Antichrist who is to come (Daniel 9:24-27; 11:31-45; Matthew 24:3-31; Revelation 13). And based on the deuterocanonical account of the cleansing of the Temple in 1-2 Maccabees (esp. 1Macc 4:36-61), Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days beginning at sundown on 25 Kislev, which usually falls in December. For example, this year in 2022, it will begin on December 19^th, and next year in 2023 it will begin on December 8^th. However, in 2024 it will begin on December 26^th, which is only a day apart from December 25^th, which is the date Christians typically celebrate Christmas (and this is perhaps why gift giving eventually became a tradition during Hanukkah).

Now, the traditional reason for the festival lasting eight days is given in the Babylonian Talmud, where the rabbis explain that after the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, they desired to light the eternal flame (the symbol of GOD’s presence); however, they found only one day’s worth of undefiled oil. Now, they knew that it would take them about eight days to produce new pure oil; therefore, if they lit the eternal flame, they would run out of their current oil supply before they were able to refill it from their next oil supply. However, they determined that it would be best to light the eternal flame immediately as a symbol of GOD’s victory so that they can praise the Lord. And what followed their faith-filled decision was nothing less than a miracle of GOD, reminiscent of the widow’s oil (2Kings 4:1-7) – the one day’s worth of oil lasted for eight days, ensuring that the eternal flame of GOD’s presence did not go out! Hence, the main observance for this holiday revolves around lighting the hanukkiyah. Jewish families progressively light nightly the special menorah with eight candles, using the center [ninth] candle, known as the shamash, to light all the other ones. The “shamash” means the “attendant” or “servant.” And this is why Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights!

In the Jewish publication, Chanukah, a writer said, “Then the light is kindled to give inspiration, for the light of Messiah must burn brightly in our hearts.” So, looking back at John 10:22-30, I find it interesting that those Jews who desired to stone Jesus to death did in fact have a light of some sort burning within them for the Messiah; however, when they encountered the true Messiah, they rejected Him because He did not conform to their expectations, which were formed from religious traditions. They claimed they were children of GOD, and had even hoped for the Messiah, yet Jesus told them they were not true believers and were not His sheep. That is a sobering and scary thought that someone can claim to be a child of GOD and yet still be rejected by the Lord. For this reason, Jesus had warned people quite a few times that in the end, He might tell them that He never knew them (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:1-13; Luke 13:22-30). Why? Because the people to whom He will say this are evildoers, those who did not do the Father’s will (Matthew 23:2-7; John 8:34-37). After all, why would they desire to kill Jesus when He continually healed people? And so, although those particular Jews had a light within them, it was the light from an all-consuming fire of prideful religious hypocrisy that burned genuine relationship to ashes. But that’s not the light children of GOD are supposed to shine.

Now, as with all the biblical holy days, there are spiritual lessons to be learned. A few of the lessons to be learned from Hanukkah include remaining faithful to the Lord, being courageous, and shining the light of the Lord. But perhaps the most vital lesson is seen in its very name. The festival commemorates a time after great tribulation and an abomination of desolation, when the true worship of GOD was restored in Jerusalem, just as it will be in the future (Revelation 21:1-6). Now, that ancient Temple no longer exists today, but there’s a good reason for that: each follower of Jesus is the holy temple where the Spirit dwells (John 14:23,26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15; Romans 8:9-11; 2Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Colossians 1:15-20; 2:9). But too often, believers endanger the purity of this sacred temple by allowing idolatry into their lives, just as Antiochus did centuries ago. And so, we should take seriously Paul’s exhortation in 1Corinthians 6:19-20, “¹⁹ do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? ²⁰ For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”

In Exodus 37, within the construction instructions for the sanctuary, a theme of purity is evident because we glorify GOD in the holy temple. Holiness is pure and that’s why the Ark of the Covenant, Table of Presence, Lampstand, and Incense Altar needed to possess purity (37:2, 6, 11, 16-17, 22-24, 26, 29).

So, ponder on purity: it is written in Matthew 5:8 that those whose thoughts are pure are blessed and they will see GOD. Purity is commendable. What person commends another for his/her lack of purity? What element is desired to be impure? It should be our goal to remove impurities. Silver (or gold or diamonds for that matter), would not be as valuable or desirable as they are without the process that removes impurities. Why? Purity is beautiful. Isn’t a diamond desired when it meets the four C’s during inspection? The inspector examines the diamond for Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat. And those four C’s determine its quality.

It is written in Proverbs 25:4 that if we remove impurities from the silver, the silversmith can craft a fine chalice. Ponder on this: pure silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals; in fact, pure silver defines conductivity; all other metals are compared to it. This means that the conductivity is reliable. People desire to use pure silver on circuit boards when they need the circuit board to work right the first time and every time. Remove impurities from your life so you can be conducive to GOD’s will for your life and the lives of others. To be as pure as possible, we need only to be in alignment with GOD’s will, which can be discerned by knowing GOD’s Word. The better you are aligned with GOD’s will, the more pure you become in your sanctification process; therefore, your conductivity grows greater and greater. Those who follow GOD’s Word are better equipped to receive GOD’s directions via the Holy Spirit; those who are better equipped to receive GOD’s directions are less likely to get lost.

Paul, speaking to believers in 1Corinthians 15:33-34, said, “³³ Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’ ³⁴ Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.”

It is written in Ecclesiastes 10:1 that dead flies in perfume make it stink, and a little foolishness decomposes much wisdom. The moral of the story is clear: the bad contaminates what is good. Think about it: a person desires his/her drinking water to be pure, right? Would you purchase purified water and then pour dirt in it right before you drink it? Would you put moldy bread in with fresh baked bread? Good and bad don’t belong together. Good that is surrounded by bad stands a great chance of becoming bad. Imagine purified water as the good in your life. Now imagine just a single drop of food coloring as something that is bad. If you were to drip food coloring into purified water, that food coloring would spread and soon the water would no longer be clear. The bad contaminates the good, whether that involves your sex life, what you eat, or the impure thoughts you allow within your mind. Is your holy temple infested with mold? What impurities do you need to remove from your life today? Purity does matter, but the implications are spiritual because unholiness affects our relationship with the Lord and others (Leviticus 20:7-8; Ezekiel 44:23; 1Corinthians 6:18-19; 2Corinthians 6: 14-16; 1Thessalonians 4:3-7). However, we must make this distinction: there is a big difference between a prideful-pious purity that’s based on religious works that claims a “holier than thou” status, and a humble-at-heart purity which acknowledges that we’ve only been cleansed because of the blood of Christ Jesus. The former is religion and the latter is relationship. The religious person will claim that his/her tabernacle is holy because of what he/she has done or abstained from doing out from his/her own strength and greatness. However, the one who has a genuine relationship with the Lord will proclaim that his/her tabernacle is holy because of Christ’s finished works and the power of the Spirit who now tabernacles within him/her! And because the temple is holy, idolatry has no place in our lives! For this reason, the Maccabees purged the temple from evil and Jesus later cleansed the temple because of unholy practices within (John 2:13-17). Both cleansings were done due to them having a genuine relationship with GOD and refusing to compromise what would take away from GOD’s holiness.

Examine both the seven-branched menorah and the nine-branched hanukkiyah: the branches shoot out from the center stem. If we don’t extend from the Center (the Source, the Head), we have no light. And of course, Jesus is the Center! Jesus is the Head! Examine what is written in John 15:1-11: “¹ ‘I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. ⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. ⁹ Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”

In John 8:12, Jesus said that He is the Light of the world. In John 9:5, Jesus said, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” But Jesus knew He was going to ascend into Heaven and that’s why He told His disciples (and us) that we are now to be the light of the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said, “¹⁴ ‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; ¹⁵ nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

And so, again, examine the nine-branched hanukkiyah: the center (ninth) candle is the one that gives light to the other candles. I believe we can learn a lot if we examine the shamash (the ninth candle). Again, shamash means “attendant” or “servant.” Remember what the Lord said! Jesus taught us that the greatest shall be the servant of all (Matthew 20:25-27; 23:11-12; Mark 10:42-44; Luke 22:25-26)! Also, the servant is not greater than his/her master (John 13:16). Jesus said He came to be the suffering servant as an example that we should do likewise (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; Luke 22:27; John 13:5-15). Therefore, Hanukkah symbolizes how the Lord, who served us, gave us light. And because the design of the lampstand is to project light forward and provide light for everyone in darkness so that they will be able to see, Christians are to shine their light for everyone in the darkness so that they may see our good works and glorify GOD. But what kind of good works should those in the darkness be seeing from the light-bearers? In John 13:13-15, Jesus said, “¹³ You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. ¹⁴ If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” So, whether we are ensuring justice is done (Micah 6:8), showing compassion (Luke 10:30-37), forgiving others (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-35), feeding the hungry, inviting strangers into our homes, providing clothing to those in need, or visiting people in the hospital or prison (Matthew 25:31-46), we are truly children of GOD if we are not only loving GOD with all of our hearts, souls, and minds, but also loving others as we would love ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). Our light, though it is fire, should not burn others, but provide comfort and warmth. Our light, though it is pure, should not blind others, but provide vision and guide people to the straight and narrow path (Proverbs 4:23-27), which leads to the Door, who is Christ Jesus (John 10:7-9; 14:6).

Philippians 2:1-8 says, “¹ Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. ⁸ Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Therefore, in order to shine the light of Christ, we must first and foremost be in Christ and branch out from Christ. Then, after He gives us light, we must shine the light of loving servitude. And in order to shine continually, our oil must never run out (Matthew 25:1-13). The oil is faith and the Holy Spirit continually produces this oil.

And finally, another tradition of Hanukkah that has since developed from the Maccabean Revolt is playing games with a dreidel (a four-sided top). Each face of the dreidel is marked with one of four Hebrew letters: נ nun (nun), ג gimel (gim-el), ה hei (hay), and ש shin (shin), representing the phrase Nes Gadol Hayah Sham (“A great miracle happened there”). However, in Israel, the letter shin is replaced with פ pei (pay) for the Hebrew word meaning “here.”

In conclusion, there is a connection between Judaism and Christianity, and between Hanukkah and Christmas. Hanukkah recalls a military victory for Israel, oil provided for them by GOD, the light of the Lord overcoming the darkness, and true worship being restored. The entire Festival of Lights is a reminder of those who courageously remain faithful to GOD – even in the face of persecution! However, it’s also a reminder of GOD’s miracles and His love for us. If the miracle of Christmas was the birth of Christ, then the miracle of Hanukkah enabled the miracle of Christmas. For without the Jewish people, there would be no Messiah (or Christ) and hence no salvation. But out from GOD’s sovereignty and unfailing love, a Savior was born. And so, this Christmas, may we all remember that the greatest gift we could ever receive was born in a feeding trough for animals beneath temporary shelter (sukkah) outside because the world didn’t have room for Him (Luke 2:7). But what about now? Do you have room for the Savior? He wants to give you the light of life.

The Meaning Of Christmas: A Savior Is Born (Tabernacles, Booths, Sukkot)

In a previous article, I provided some clarification to some confusion that some people have regarding Christmas being a pagan celebration and I answered the big question as to whether or not Christians should celebrate Christmas. And so now we know – the Christmas that Christians celebrate is not pagan. Christians don’t worship trees, nor do they make Santa Claus an idol to be worshiped. But this leads us to a curious question: why do we celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is so commercialized nowadays that the true meaning of Christmas has been lost by many people. Even non-Christians celebrate Christmas, but their celebrations are typically centered around buying obligatory gifts for people, receiving gifts they probably don’t even want, eating food, spending time with family members they might not even like, and simply enjoying their time off work because they hate their jobs. For many people of our secular society, Christmas is merely a paid vacation day that allows them to indulge in either laziness or activities that are centered around pleasure for self. On average, Americans spend approximately $1,000 on Christmas each year. So, while most people get Christmas day as a paid holiday, they also spend a week’s worth of their salary out from obligation just because they feel like that’s what they’re supposed to do around this time of year because consumerism has become an indoctrinated concept within our culture. And because of that, Christmas ends up being extremely stressful and burdensome for many people. But that is the way of secular society, not Christianity.

So, why do Christians celebrate Christmas? What’s it all about? What’s the meaning of Christmas? Well, simply put, it’s all about the birth of Christ Jesus. And this is also known as the incarnation. Now, many people — even non-Christians — know this surface-level truth with head knowledge, but there is always depth beyond the surface. And unfortunately, even many self-proclaimed Christians don’t fully comprehend the awesomeness of this Truth. So let’s investigate the depth and examine our discoveries.

Matthew 2:1-10 says, “¹ Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ² ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’ ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ They said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ⁶ ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” ⁷ Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.’ ⁹ After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

Now, I intentionally stopped reading at verse 10 because I’m going to return to that passage at the end of this message. So, keep that passage in mind.

In Judaism, the חַ֧ג הַסֻּכּ֖וֹת Feast of Booths (a.k.a. Festival of: Booths, Tabernacles, Tents, Ingathering, and סֻכֹּ֔ת [H5521] Sukkot [soo-koht’]) is a week-long celebration where the Jews live in temporary tents or booths (made from natural elements of the earth) in order to remind themselves of their ancestors’ time in the wilderness, after GOD led them out of Egypt, because they had to dwell in temporary shelters on their journey (Nehemiah 8:14-17). This was sometimes also referred to “the festival of the Lord” (Judges 21:19) or simply “the festival” (1Kings 8:65). But this was the third of the three pilgrimage festivals. All Jewish males were required to go to Jerusalem to recall GOD’s providence toward Israel during their 40 years of wandering in the desert while living in tents (Deuteronomy 16:16). This festival started on the 15^th of the seventh month [Tishri] (September/October). For example, this year in 2022, Sukkot was on October 10^th, but next year in 2023 it will be on September 30^th; however, it starts at sundown the previous day. The reason for this is because unlike our western Gregorian solar-based calendar, the Jewish calendar uses both lunar and solar movements. The months are determined by the moon, and the year is determined by the sun. The Jewish day begins at sunset.

So, we know the reason for this festival, but what was the ultimate goal? Well, the name of this holy day tells its purpose. Essentially, it is twofold, with the first being related to the fall harvest. During this week, they also celebrated the fruit harvest. As Leviticus 23:33-43 teaches, Sukkot was to be a time of bringing in the latter harvest. It is widely believed that the Puritan colonists, who were devoted students of the Hebrew Scriptures, based the first American Thanksgiving on Sukkot. A secondary meaning of this holy day is found in the command to dwell in a temporary shelter. This festival can be summarized with the word, “habitation.” We know from the Torah that GOD dwelt with His people in their 40-year wilderness wanderings. And so, the theme is that GOD dwells with His people. Leviticus 23:40 says, “Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.” And so, avoiding all work on the first and last days of the festival, they were to mark the week with sacrifices, celebration, and joy (see also, Numbers 29:12-40). In addition, every seventh year the Law was to be read at this festival (Deuteronomy 31:10-11). Two ceremonies were part of the last day of Sukkot:

1. Giant golden lampstands were lit in the Temple courtyard, and people carrying torches marched around the Temple, and then they set these lights around the walls of the Temple, indicating that the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6).
2. And then by the first century A.D. when Jesus had walked the earth, another part of this festival involved the drawing of water for a libation offering (nisukh hamayim) from the Pool of Siloam with great ceremony and joy, which symbolizing that when the Messiah comes, the whole earth will know GOD “as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9).

There is so much depth to be discovered beyond the surface of this week-long festival. So, let’s go diving into the depths, investigate, and then examine our discoveries. The Festival of Tabernacles is interesting, but why is all of this important for New Testament Christians? Well, not only did the Israelites erect temporary shelters for themselves to dwell in, but after GOD delivered the Israelites from slavery, the Lord had His people construct a tabernacle so GOD could dwell among them (Exodus 25:8). The word “tabernacle” is a translation of the Hebrew מִשְׁכָּן [H4908] mishkan (mish-kawn’), which means “dwelling-place.” It’s the special dwelling place of GOD. Why is this important? In short, the tabernacle foreshadowed Christ.

John 1:1-4 says, “¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.”

From the beginning of John’s gospel, he references back to the beginning, which echoes Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The Word is not named as such in Genesis, but is immediately seen in action when GOD spoke everything into existence. The word, “Word” is the Greek λόγος [G3056] logos (log’-ahs), which means a word (uttered by a living voice), a saying, or speech, and denotes the expression of thought. The Word was a term used by theologians and philosophers, both Jews and Greeks, in many different ways. In Hebrew Scripture, the Word was an agent of creation (Psalm 33:6), the source of GOD’s message to His people through the prophets (Hosea 4:1), and GOD’s Law, His standard of holiness (Psalm 119:11). In Greek philosophy, the Word was the ‘reason’ behind everything, the principle of reason that governed the world, or the thought still in the mind. In Hebrew thought, the Word was another expression for GOD. Jesus, therefore, is the Creator of the universe and all life (Genesis 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24), the ultimate revelation of GOD, the living picture of GOD’s holiness (Colossians 1:15), the One who “holds all creation together (Colossians 1:17). The Greek word corresponds to the Aramaic memra, a technical theological term used by rabbis in both the centuries before and after Jesus when speaking of GOD’s expression of Himself. Thus, the Messiah existed before all creation. For this reason, Jesus said in prayer in John 17:5, “Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” Also, for this reason, Jesus, speaking to the Pharisees in John 8:58, said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Hence, Jesus had made Himself equal with GOD (Exodus 3:14; John 5:18; 10:33) and the eternal Wisdom of Proverbs 8:22-31, which existed before creation and was present during creation.

John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

When it says that the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. The word “dwelt” is a translation of the Greek ἐσκήνωσεν eskēnōsen (es-kay-no-sen), which is the word σκηνόω [G4637] skēnoō (skay-naw’-oh), which means to tabernacle, tent, encamp, or dwell. Therefore, John 1:14 literally says that GOD tabernacled among us. GOD, who is 100% Spirit (John 4:24), tabernacled within the 100% flesh body He created; thus, Jesus is GOD incarnate. Hence, the incarnation. It is for this reason Jesus is known as Ἐμμανουήλ [G1694] Immanuel (Matthew 1:23), which means “God with us.” It is also for this reason that Jesus referred to His body as the Temple (John 2:19-21) and even said He is greater than the physical temple structure (Matthew 12:6). And for this reason, Hebrews 9:11 says that the body of Christ was the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with human hands.

When it says we saw His glory, the word “glory” is the Greek word δόξα [G1391] doxa (dox’-ah), which describes the goodness or value of someone. Hence, this one word attempts to effectively convey the indescribable, infinite, and intrinsic worth of GOD’s essence, His divine quality of magnificence and majesty, which we translate as “glory.”

Therefore, just like GOD dwelt with His people in the Old Testament (Exodus 25:8; 29:45-46; Numbers 35:34; 1Kings 6:13; Ezekiel 43:9; Zechariah 2:1-4), John and Paul both teach that the fullness of GOD tabernacled in Jesus and the Spirit now tabernacles within us (John 14:23,26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15; Romans 8:9-11; 2Corinthians 6:16; Colossians 1:15-20; 2:9).

So, as John sought to describe the Messiah’s first coming, the most obvious picture to portray and explain was Sukkot, the holy day that celebrates the dwelling of GOD via temporary tabernacles!

The Talmud tells of a custom that developed in the Second Temple time period. At that time during this holy day, a priest would take a water pitcher down to the Pool of Siloam, dip it in the water, and carry it back to the Temple. Crowds of people would then form a huge processional behind the priest, dancing, singing, and chanting the Hallel (Psalms 113-118) as they entered the Temple mount. For each of the first six days of Sukkot, the processional would circle the Temple altar one time, and on the seventh day there would be seven processionals to magnify the joy. The highlight of the ceremony came when the priest dramatically poured the water on the altar of the Temple. The response of the multitudes was so immense that the Talmud says whoever has not been in Jerusalem for this ceremony has not experienced real joy. Hence, it became known as Rejoicing of the House of Drawing Water (Hoshana Rabbah). Why? Talmudic rabbis speak of deep truths from Isaiah 12:3 in regard to the ceremony: “Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.” But “salvation” in Hebrew is יְשׁוּעָה [H3444] yeshua (yesh-oo’-aw), the name of the Messiah! And yes—Yeshua means salvation! So, the Rejoicing of the House of Drawing Water was to prophetically illustrate the days of messianic redemption when the water of the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon all Israel. GOD will ultimately build His habitation with His people when the Kingdom is established under the Messiah’s rule. And John 7:37-39 explains the next connection to Sukkot:

John 7:37-39 says, “³⁷ Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. ³⁸ He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” ’ ³⁹ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

So, on the last day of the festival, Hoshana Rabbah, Jesus declared to be the Living Water and the Messiah, just as He did with the woman at the well (John 4:7-26). Imagine the setting: Sukkot was in full swing, and the joy of the first six days was exuberant. On the great final day, the crowds were filled with expectation for the Messiah and the Holy Spirit He would bring. At the very time of the water-drawing ceremony, Jesus (Yeshua) made a bold proclamation: “Do you truly want the living water of the Holy Spirit? Does anyone understand the true significance of this ceremony? If anyone desires what “the place of the water drawing” symbolizes (Beit Hashoavah), let him believe in Me. I am the Messiah who will pour out the Holy Spirit on Israel!”

Therefore, with all aspects of Sukkot now pieced together, the Bible provides a few different themes for us to know: GOD’s provision, His dwelling with His people, and the joy of the Holy Spirit. Yet, there is still a future element remaining to be fulfilled by the Festival of Tabernacles. John, in Revelation 21:1-4, shares a vision of final things in that the reality of Sukkot will be obvious to all: “¹ Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. ² And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, ⁴ and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.””

Sukkot was always known as the holy day that commemorates GOD dwelling with His people. How fitting for the Kingdom of GOD, when it fully comes to the redeemed earth, to be considered the ultimate fulfillment of this holy day. GOD Himself will finally dwell with His people in all His fullness. The סֻכָּה [H5521] Sukkah [sook-kaw’] (booth/tabernacle) of GOD will be among men when Messiah Yeshua dwells as the ruler of the thousand-year messianic Kingdom! Sukkot is said to be the premier celebration of the Millennium. As the prophet Zechariah predicted in Zechariah 14:16-17: “¹⁶ Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ¹⁷ And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, there will be no rain on them.”

The Tabernacles:

• In the Garden (Genesis 3:8)
• In the Messianic believer (Exodus 33:15)
• In the wilderness (Exodus 40:33-35)
• And the Divine Presence (1Kings 8:1-11)
• And the incarnation (Matthew 1:23)
• And the Kingdom to come (Revelation 21:1-6)

Now, ponder on this: the detailed description of the tabernacle and its construction comprise more than one-third of the book of Exodus (25-40), signifying its theological importance to the life of GOD’s people before the forming of the nation-state of Israel. And yet it was all mere material of the earth that GOD allowed to be destroyed due to the sinful rebellion of the Israelites (1Kings 9:8-9; Ezra 5:12; Lamentations). GOD put so much care and concern into what He knew would be destroyed. Does that sound familiar? It should. The true and more perfect Temple not made by human hands, the divinely designed body of Christ Jesus, was greater and had even more care and concern and attention to detail in creation (Matthew 12:6; Hebrews 9:11) and yet GOD knew that the true Temple would be destroyed (John 2:19-21). However, the Father revealed to the Son that in three days the Temple would be rebuilt (Matthew 12:39-40; John 2:22). Jesus would rise again and conquer the grave, taking away the sting of death for all who put their faith in Him (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-13; 1Corinthians 15:54-57).

In conclusion, I shall return to the beginning where this message started. In Matthew 2:1-10, the magi sought and finally found the Messiah. But where did they find the Messiah? Luke 2:7 says, “And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” The word “manger” is the Greek word φάτνη [G5336] phatnē (faht’-nay), which comes from the word πατέομαι patéomai (pat-ay-ohm-eye), meaning “to eat.” And because Luke 13:15 informs us that this was a location where animals such as oxen and donkeys were kept, we know that Jesus was placed in a feeding trough for animals. Why? Because there was no room for them in the “inn,” which is the Greek word κατάλυμα [G2646] katalyma (kat-al’-oo-mah), which is a lodging place for travelers where they can put down their belongings, take off their traveling gear, and halt for the night. Therefore, because Joseph, Mary, and Jesus weren’t able to stay in the main lodging area, they were discovered in a temporary shelter that can be likened to a sukkah! The body of the Messiah is the Holy Sukkah and He was discovered in a sukkah! Now, is there any wonder why when the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us, that the magi, the caste of wise men, in Matthew 2:11, did what they did? It is written: “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

So, what is Christmas truly about? Truly, it’s about the Christmas tabernacle, the incarnation. The birth of the Savior! And so, in all honesty, we should be celebrating the birth of Christ in the month of Tishri when the festival of tabernacles is celebrated. And that falls anywhere between September and October. But, ‘tis the season for the drudgery of winter where everything is dark, dead, and cold. And as long as we’re bringing light, life, and warmth into the world, we might as well take advantage of the season and share the reason for light, life, and warmth: Christ Jesus. For without Jesus, there is no light and there is no life (John 14:6). But… it could be warm. Really warm. Like, lake of fire warm. But I digress. That’s a message for another day.

So, what is the meaning of Christmas? What’s it all about? Well, Linus told everyone back in 1965 in A Charlie Brown Christmas when he recited Luke 2:8-14: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ ”
And then Linus says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Yeah. That’s what Christmas is all about. So, if you’re going to celebrate Christmas, then celebrate the right reason even if your timing might be a little off. Merry Christmas. May the Lord bless you, and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.