LIGHT OF THE WORLD – by Raphael ben Levi
There are several similarities between Hanukah (celebrated in December) and Sukkot (Tabernacles) that we will be celebrating shortly in October. At Sukkot the lighting of the menorah held centre stage during Temple times. According to the Mishna (Sukkah 5) the priests poured oil into four huge candlesticks (menorah) that had been set up in the Temple Court (fifty cubits high) which burned so brightly that its radiance could be seen even in the darkest reaches of the surrounding areas of Jerusalem.
The 25th Hebrew word in the Tanakh counting from the beginning of Genesis is the word “light” (“Aor”) which is one of several reasons why in Jewish tradition Hanukah is celebrated on the 25th Kislev. In Genesis 1:3, is the phrase, “and there was light” contained therein a concealed prophetic picture of Messiah. In the ancient Hebrew alphabet, the phrase “and there was light” is represented by:
1. A nail (Vav— ו) = to secure
2. A closed hand (Yud— י) = to make, a deed
3. A window (Heh— ה) = to reveal
4. A closed hand (Yud— י) = to make, a deed
5. An ox or bull (Aleph— א) = strength, leader
6. A nail (Vav— ו) = to secure
7. A head (Resh— ר) = a person, highest
From this, we see concealed a beautiful picture how God created light as a sign that He would, “Ensure, establish and reveal a strong leader, securing a person of the highest order.” That same person would be the Light of the World as eloquently expressed in the opening verses of 1John: “Before time itself was measured, the Voice was speaking. The Voice was and is God. 2 This celestial Word remained ever present with the Creator; 3 His speech shaped the entire cosmos. Immersed in the practice of creating, all things that exist were birthed in Him. 4 His breath filled all things with a living, breathing light— 5 A light that thrives in the depths of darkness, blazes through murky bottoms. It cannot and will not be quenched.” (The VOICE)
Yeshua was conceived during the ninth month of Kislev during the Feast of Hanukah. He was born nine months later at Sukkot in the seventh month of Tishri, God Incarnate, the child born to be king – the One who is the Light of the World.
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