The Festival of Lights 

 

When many think of GOD, 

they first think of a bright light. 

A v-e-r-y bright light. 

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 Between miracles, GOD's Light was represented by the 7 branched lamp stand (called the Menorah in Hebrew), which lights up the interior of the Temple.  This concept was reinforced by the miracle of Hanukkah.

  The problem with the Temple Menorah was that very few people ever  saw it because entry into the Temple was only for the priests.  The public representation of YHWH's Light unto the world was reflected in the last Holy Day of the year called, 'the Last Great Day'.  It is held on the eight day after the 7-day Tabernacles festival, (Lev.23:36).  It is the culmination of the yearly Holy Days.  It is the last act in the great spiritual opera, taking a-l-l humanity from chaos to eternity.

           The Temple history of this Holy Day contained two beautiful and moving ceremonies: The ritual of  “the Pouring of Water,” and the “Lighting of the Temple.”  It pictures for the Hebrew people a most joyous time, as the Messiah who is the light of the world, pours out the living waters of the Holy Spirit bringing GOD’S salvation to all the people.  The day was called in Hebrew, Hoshana Rabba, which means the “Day of Hosanna.”

            The Temple priests divided themselves into three large groups, with each group heading off out of the city in different directions.  One group set off to Bethlehem to purchase animals for the sacrifice.  Another group traveled in procession to a place below Jerusalem called Motza, where they cut willow branches.  The third group took a golden flagon with them to the Pool of Siloam, to draw three measures of water to be used in the ritual of “the Pouring of Water.”  

            The climatic ending came when all three groups returned to the Temple in procession for the ceremony of “the Lighting of the Temple.”  Following the three groups of priests were tens of thousands of pilgrims who would flood the streets of Jerusalem and crowded into the Temple mount area.  Each one would be carrying a lighted torch.  And then four huge oil-burning vats were lit.  They were so bright that they actually beamed shafts of light across the city like search lights do today.  The soft candle light reflected off the natural cream-colored limestone of the buildings, bringing a magical glow to Jerusalem. The entire city was illuminated for miles.  It was a wonderful breathtaking sight,

            Then they placed their sacrifices upon the altar and the willow bearing priest placed their willow branches around the altar forming a canopy over the sacrificial animals.  Lastly, a priest would then take the golden flagon and pour the water into a basin at the foot of the altar while his assistant poured measures of wine into another bowl.  As this was taking place, the priests blew their trumpets and all the people waved palm branches while singing praises from Psalms ch.113-118, and calling the festival “the season of our joy.”

            Yahshua chose this electrifying moment to make an astonishing announcement to the crowd in the Temple courtyard.  The Apostle John records in 7:37, “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.”  Yahshua’s symbolism was loaded with meaning to the Jews who witnessed it.  The tragedy today is, that most in the church haven’t got a clue.

            The stunning symbolism also becomes prophetic as we are reminded of the ultimate price of love He paid when John continues in vs.38, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”  Later John writes of Yahshuas’ crucifixion in 19:34, “. . . one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.”  

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The Home Festival-Lights

           The oldest continually observed holiday on earth, Passover, begins the yearly Holy Day season.  Passover clearly shows that GOD empowers the individual.  This first Holy observance of the year begins with the family, home worship, and the home Festival Lights.  For those who can see, it is loaded with spiritual symbolism.  There can be other candles in the background, but the focal point is always with two prominent candles. 

            Passover, like the Sabbath rest, shows that the home Holy Day observance centers on the main meal of the day.  In Christianity it is called "Table Fellowship" and it is modeled after the Last - Passover - Supper.  When the table is set, everyone has taken their seats, and all is ready and quiet, it is the woman’s voice that has incredible spiritual power.  Not the scolding or sarcastic tone, but the soothing motherly voice, as she begins the Sabbath, or Holy Day observance by reciting the opening blessing, or leading the prayer.  This turns an ordinary meal into a Sacred Meal because it  means, at YHWH'S appointed time, you are literally having a meal with HIM, and HIS good Angels, as a sign of peace, (Deu.12:5-7; Rev.3:20).  

             To kindle the candles is the woman’s honor, because the seed of a virgin will bring forth the light of the Messiah to the world, (Gen.3:15; Isa,7:14).  Traditionally, while wearing her favorite prayer shawl, the lady of the house kindles the two candles, and gives the blessing: “Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, (or, dear YHWH) King of the Universe, who has set us apart by your commandments and has commanded us to kindle the Sabbath lights.”  (Replace the word Sabbath for any Holy Day.)  When the candles are lit, enjoy the peaceful moment with family prayer or a moment of silence. 

             Just for the record, anyone - man or woman - can accomplish this duty, usually performed at sunset beginning the Holy Day or later in the day at the Sacred Meal.  A table-top 7-candle Menorah, or two candles can be used.  And one can develop their own personal observance and prayer.  For example: One can kindle the candles, and then say the Messiah's prayer together, (Mat.6:9-15).  What is important is that one recognizes the important spiritual meaning of the day.

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            Why two candles? One signifies creation, and the second signifies redemption.  It is a beautiful spiritual picture symbolized on the weekly Sabbath or Holy Day table.

            One candle represents YHWH, YAHWEH, who "created the heavens and the earth,” (Gen.1:1).

            The second candle represents the redemption and salvation.  Humanities salvation is also pictured by the shed blood of the Passover lamb,  which is sacrificed for us!  It is also pictured in Yahshua, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace," Eph.1:7.

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            To the believer, the two candles reveal a blessed picture of our Messiah Yahshua, who sits on the right hand of His FATHER, YHWH, (Mar.16:19).  As one looks at the lights, we remember Him who said, "I am, the Light of the World.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12.  

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            Lastly, the flame on the candle pictures the Ruach HaKodesh, or the Holy Spirit of  YHWH as described in Acts 2:3-4, " Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit..."

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Last modified: September 05, 2010