Celebrate the Feast!

"The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations,

these are My feasts.” Leviticus 23:2

This past week has been quiet.  Well, let's rephrase that...This past week has been fairly uneventful.  Gramma is remaining positive through her aches and pains.  She appears to forget that her pain is there and it seems to be new to her each day.  Yesterday, Gramma was coming out of the bathroom and told me about her pain.  I told her we needed to speak to God.  She said, "You know, He'll heal me if he wants to.  He may not want to yet.  But He'll do what He wants."  She tells me that she is just glad to know He loves her! 

Tomorrow at sundown begins Chanukah.  We have recognized the first day of Chanukah as a family in the past but never to the degree of recognizing the importance of the celebration.  Realizing that Jesus celebrated the feasts gives the entire idea a deeper meaning.  I've come to realize that many Christians believe the New Testament has REPLACED the Old Testament.  This is not true.  Jesus said "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." Matthew 5:17-18  That would be like saying the Ten Commandments were obsolete!  

Gramma is very excited about Chanukah.  She is wanting to buy gifts for the kids to celebrate, but we've already used her "spending money" on Christmas presents she wanted for the kids.  I did buy chocolate candy coins, which are traditional in our family at Chanukah.  The idea of having the traditional food and lighting the Menorah makes Gramma feel connected to God.  There's nothing like a "Completed Jew", as Merna would say!!! 

For those of you that are unaware of what Chanukah is all about, this is an overview:

Hanukkah commemorates the victory of a band of Jewish warriors, the Maccabees, over the Syrian king Antiochus almost 2,500 years ago. After driving out the Syrians, the Maccabees reoccupied the Temple of Jerusalem, where they found enough oil to keep the all-important "Eternal Light" shining for only one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, hence the eight days of Hanukkah (which is derived from the Hebrew word for "rededication.")  ehow.com

Chanukah is called "The Festival of Lights" in the modern world.  Like Christmas, it has been reduced to a commercial fantasy with the main marketing goal being money.  Dradels, games, presents and food!  While I don't think our Almighty Father has a problem with fun and food, it is the fact that He is not typically the focus of the celebration.  Be sure to celebrate the power, mercy, grace and favor of your Creator this Holy Day season!