Watch Focus

Friday, November 26th, 2021 —

The Festival of Lights

Matthew 4:16, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned.”
 
Lessons from Israel for this Season: Hanukkah and the Miracle of Supply
 
This Sunday marks the first day of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. The miracle of Hanukkah is a prophetic symbol for Jews and Christians across the world. The celebration marks the anniversary of the miraculous provision of oil in the temple, victory over Israel's enemies, and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The priests of the temple only had one small cruse of oil to fuel the menorah. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight full days, until fresh oil could be sanctified for Temple use.
 
We remember today with so many suffering with various kinds of difficulty, more than anything, the world is lacking a revelation of the Light of the World. We remember that God miraculously preserves and extends His remnant, His anointed people, those carrying His Holy Spirit. They will arise as light bearers. This remnant are those who God will use to restore their generation to Him.
 
As we light the candles this Hanukkah, let us remember our Jewish brothers and sisters. As we look to and celebrate the coming of the Light of the World, Jesus, we pray for Israel and for the peace of Jerusalem.
 
We also pray tonight for those grieving in Waukesha after the horrific attack on innocents celebrating in the town’s Christmas parade. We ask that the Holy Spirit would comfort those who mourn loved ones and all those who have been traumatized by this act of hatred. Lord, be with and heal those who were wounded in any way.
 
We petition the Lord on behalf of our generation, Lord, heal our land. Deliver us from evil and darkness. Bring us into Your light. Move in power to transform the nations. Anoint us and use us in this hour for the Great Awakening. We remember the Parable of the Ten Virgins. We are here watching for You, Lord, and praying into Your kingdom. Our love has not grown cold. We wait for You.
 
Matthew 25:1-13, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so ;lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
 
Luke 21:19, “In your patience possess ye your souls.”
 
Isaiah 60:1-2, “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.”
 
John 10:22-23, “Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem [Hanukkah], and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch.”
 
Revelation 6:6, “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.”
 
Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
Let Israel say:
    “His love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say:
    “His love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say:
    “His love endures forever.”
When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
    he brought me into a spacious place.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?
The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
    I look in triumph on my enemies.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in humans.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.
All the nations surrounded me,
    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They surrounded me on every side,
    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They swarmed around me like bees,
    but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
    in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
I was pushed back and about to fall,
    but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and my defense;
    he has become my salvation.
Shouts of joy and victory
    resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
    The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
I will not die but live,
    and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
The Lord has chastened me severely,
    but he has not given me over to death.
Open for me the gates of the righteous;
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord
    through which the righteous may enter.
I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
    you have become my salvation.
The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
    and it is marvelous in our eyes.
The Lord has done it this very day;
    let us rejoice today and be glad.
Lord, save us!
    Lord, grant us success!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
    From the house of the Lord we bless you.
The Lord is God,
    and he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
    up to the horns of the altar.