The Christmas Song and Video - The Most Wondrous Story of All!

The Messiah in Hanukkah - Messianic Significance of Chanukah

The law did not require Jews to be at the Temple in Jerusalem, as this was not one of the pilgrimage festivals. Every one observed it in his own place, not as a holy time. Jesus was there that He might improve those eight days of holiday for good purposes.

Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch when the Sadduciens asked him “How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ tell us.” They pretended to want to know the truth, as if they were ready to embrace it; but it was not their intention. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (John 10:25-27). He had told them, and they believed not; why then should they be told again, merely to gratify their curiosity?

Miracles

Hanukkah’s theme is of a miracle. During Hanukkah Jesus spoke of His miracles: If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him (John 10:37-38). Jesus wanted the people of his day to see His miracles and believe in Him as a result. His miracles point to his divine and messianic identity. In this way Yeshua personifies the message of Hanukkah: God actively involved in the affairs of his people. Hanukkah reminds us that God is a God of miracles, not just of concept and religious ideals. He has broken through into human history and continues to do so today. All of us who know Yeshua can speak of God’s working in our lives (Gilman 1995).

Jesus is the Light of the World

Jesus preached three sermons in which he declared Himself the “light of the world,” and all three could have been during Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. (It is not clear from the text when this incident happened, but it was some time between the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah); both of these celebrations focused on light).Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them (John 12:35-36).

Just before Jesus announced that He was the Light of the world, Jesus had shone upon the conscience of those who accused the adulteress. Read the story in John Chapter 8. John also records Jesus healing a blind man (John 9:1-12) at about the same time (John 8:12 and 9:5) that Jesus declared himself to be the Light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing (John 9:5-7).

End Times

The story of Hanukkah can be compared with end-time happenings described in the books of Revelation and Daniel. Antiochus is a type of the antichrist. Just as happened under the rule of Antiochus, Daniel prophesied in Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

The same powers promoted by Antiochus are in the world today. Worldwide immorality, and idolatry are the norm. We must come out and be separate. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. The deceiver stands waiting to devour in this present culture (2 Cor. 6:16-17).
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Was Jesus Conceived on Hanukkah?

Many believe that our Messiah, the “light of the world,” was conceived on the festival of lights—Hanukkah. The Bible does not specifically say the date of Jesus’ birth. It was not during the winter months because the sheep were in the pasture (Luke 2:8). A study of the time of the conception of John the Baptist reveals he was conceived about Sivan 30, the eleventh week (Luke 1:8-13, 24). Adding forty weeks, for a normal pregnancy reveals that John the Baptist was born on or about Passover (Nisan 14). Six months after John’s conception, Mary conceived Jesus (Luke 1:26-33); therefore Jesus would have been conceived six months after Sivan 30 in the month of Kislev—Hanukkah. Was the “light of the world,” conceived on the festival of lights? Starting at Hanukah, which begins on Kislev 25 and continues for eight days, and counting through the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy, one arrives at the approximate time of the birth of Jesus at the Festival of Tabernacles. (See the Tabernacle chapter.)

Written by - Robin Sampson

Posted with permission.

For more great studies from a Jewish perspective please visit Biblical Holidays (The Heart of Wisdom website).

A Merry Maranatha and a Merry Christmas to You!

Beloved, I love Christmas and all the wondrous Bible verses of hope! Just before the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ despair was an epidemic and hopelessness super abounding! For those who trusted in the Lord in such oppressive days, their hope was a burning fire within their hearts that kept them fresh and vibrate! Anna and Simeon and the Wise men of old were great witnesses of hope in such dark days (Matt. 2:12; Luke 2:25-40)!

Anna and Simeon and the Wise men of old were great witnesses of hope in such dark days!

Today is no different! Our nation is at the EXPONENTIAL crossroads and what will be in the next six weeks has millions of Americans scared, uncertain and horrified! The great hope today for the redeemed of Jesus is that Jesus is coming again! He is first coming for His bride at the Rapture; the redeemed in RIGHTEOUSNESS (John 14:3; Rom. 10:2-4; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 2:1-14, Col. 1:26-27; Titus 2:12-14; 1 John 4:10); then to rule the world at the end of the Great Tribulation (Dan. 2:43-45; 7:13-14; Matt. 24; 1 Thess. 1:9-10; 2 Thess. 2:10-12; Rev. 19:11-21)! The bottom line today is that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, and to this end Jesus taught his disciples to pray and to watch for (Matt. 9-13; 24)! 

As we wish each one a Merry Christmas in the Lord this Christmas season, may we also encourage each believer in Jesus with a Merry Maranatha!

During this Christmas season, we have every assurance that Jesus will come again at the end of the age for His Bride just as He said; because His first coming prophetic promises ALL came to be (John 14:1-3)! As we wish each one a Merry Christmas in the Lord this Christmas season, may we also encourage each believer in Jesus with a Merry Maranatha (Come our Lord - 1 Cor.16:22) as well! For indeed He is coming for His Bride!

The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Merry Maranatha!

DJP I.F.

Bible Verses Relating to the Rapture Teaching and the Second Coming of Christ!

The Rapture Bible Study from Behold Israel!

The Treasure of the Magi - Christmas Song and Video

 

The One who is ETERNALLY MORE precious than gold! Is that true for you this Christmas my friend this Christmas season?

1. The Treasure of the Magi

(Matt. 2:1-12; 6:21; 1 Cor. 1:18-31; Col. 2:2-3)

 

Our hearts within us

Are longing for more than gold:

Treasures and riches

Which only Messiah holds.

His presence we seek,

Humbly and meek.

Through many days and nights,

We travel on to Him;

His star leads the way,

And our hearts brightly burn within.

And finally we see: 

The young Christ and King.

This One, this child:

The King of Israel;

And gifts we bring 

With joy exceedingly!

Gold for our God and King,

Frankincense to worship Thee;

Myrrh for our Lamb,

Who shall die and then rise for we.

And our hearts we bring

And lay at His feet.

With joy and praise

We glorify His Name:

Whose arm and strength

Shall bring salvation’s grace;

And now we see

The ETERNAL Son and King!

Now our hearts have found

The treasure far more than gold!

Be Saved O Earth! A Savior Was Born!!

Wake up, O Israel!! Wake up, O America!!! Wake up, O Earth!!!  A Savior was born!!!!  Almighty God has sent a SAVIOR, mighty to save and deliver ALL who trust in Him from sin and ETERNAL death (John 3:16-17, 36, Rom 7:24-25, Rev. 20:11-15)! Oh my beloved, how many people do you think in the land of Israel 2000 years ago were TRULY looking for Almighty God’s Savior of the Holy Scriptures prior to His incarnation (birth) (Psalm 40:6-8, Isa. 53, John 1:10-11, 14, Heb. 10:5-14)? Sadly, nearly none... because (then and today) people (Sadducees, Pharisees, Israelites, conservatives, liberals, Americans, etc..) are NOT looking to be delivered from their transgressions against Almighty God. 

 These are ever seeking to preserve their fallen nature and this fallen world, while rejecting the Kingdom of God that is to come in complete RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Foolishly and unbelievingly the world is looking for Almighty God to accommodate and accept THEIR subjective fallen world perspective, which is void of Almighty God's PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS and governed and ruled by their 5 senses (Rom. 1:18-32, 8:5, 1 Cor. 2:14,10:2-4, Jude 1:10). These are ever seeking to preserve their fallen nature and this fallen world (Rom. 1:18-32, 2 Thess. 2:10), while rejecting the Kingdom of God that is to come in complete RIGHTEOUSNESS (Rev. 21). Tragically and rebelliously it is the world's unbelieving personal will that seeks to always triumph over Almighty God’s ETERNAL SOVEREIGNTY and ETERNAL RIGHTEOUS will (John 1:10-11, Rom. 1:18-32). These individuals (conservative and liberal) have THEIR "own" opinions of who Almighty God is and have sought to transform the Holy Scriptures to fit THEIR own personal “Judeo/Christian” life style (Jer. 23:36, Matt. 7:21-23, 2 Peter 3:16). They in their unbelief are personally (conservative and liberal) at war with Almighty God and His program for the ages and deep down inside they know it (Rom. 1:18-32).

 They, in their unbelief, are personally (conservative and liberal) at war with Almighty God and His program for the ages, and they know it not.

Godless unbelief will ALWAYS cripple and deceive the mind from the RIGHTEOUS REALITIES of ETERNAL accountability and Almighty God's RIGHTEOUS saving remedies (John 3:16-17, Rom. 10:2-4, 2 Cor.4:2-4, Eph. 2:8-9). This Christmas season, when the world at least seeks to somewhat acknowledge the Savior's birth, even in a state of unbelief, may many truly come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and truly seek to understand why a Savior was born and why we so desperately need Him! 

This Christmas season, may you be a TRUE receiver and a TRUE believer in knowledge with spiritual understanding about what the birth of Jesus Christ truly means.

A Savior was born (Isa. 9:6-7, Micah 5:2, Jer. 33:15, Matt. 1:21, John 1:14, Rom. 1:1-6, Heb.10:5-12, Rev. 12:3-5, 22:16)! He died, was buried and rose again according to the Holy Scriptures (Matt. 28:6-7, John 5:39, 1 Cor. 15:2-4) to make RIGHTEOUS full atonement and RIGHTEOUS propitiation for all of Adam's fallen race which place their trust in Him (John 1:12, Acts 4:12, 16:28-30, Rom. 10:2-4, 1 John 2:2, 4:10)! He now sits at the Right Hand of Almighty God's Throne (Acts 2:26-33, Psalm 110:1, Col. 3:1-4, Heb. 1:2-3, Rev. 5) and will come again in the clouds for His bride (John 14:3, 1 Cor. 15:51-57, 1 Thess.4:13-18, 1 John 3:1-4)! He will then come back to earth from Heaven's glory to judge the world in PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS and establish His 1000 year Kingdom Reign and REIGN FOREVERMORE (Isa.. 2:1-4, Jer. 23:6, Dan. 2:43-44, 7:13-14, Mic. 4:1-4, Zech. 14:3-5, Matt. 24:27, 2 Thess. 2:8-12, Rev. 19:11-2, 21,22:1-5)! Dear friends, that is the WONDERFUL Christmas message in a nutshell!!! O the ETERNAL depths of the Christmas message! Who can even fathom it?! This Christmas season, may you be a TRUE receiver and a TRUE believer in knowledge with spiritual understanding about what the birth of Jesus Christ truly means. May it be so!!

The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!

DJP I.F.


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So This Is X-mas/John Lennon - A Biblical Perspective

Dear friends, on the 45th anniversary of John Lennon’s murder, I was thinking about John Lennon’s legacy and identity. Dear friends, I grew up in the world for 24 years before I came to Christ, so I know its thinking and ways because I once was saturated in it, lived it, and walked its course (Eph. 2:1-14). As I was at work today, people were remembering John Lennon and praising him in many ways, and as the Christmas music was playing; they were playing many of this world's Christmas carols which have a secular and demonic mood to it of utopia dreams through relativism and bankrupt human love which excludes RIGHTEOUSNESS and Almighty God, man's ETERNAL RIGHTEOUS Creator (Rom. 1:18-32). One song that was played today was John Lennon's, So This Is X-mas (War is Over). I had to laugh as I listened to the words and praised the Lord from what He saved me from! This John Lennon song is a total swipe and dig at the TRUE biblical Christmas message and the rejection thereof. Mr. "Peace" (John Lennon himself), seeks to encourage all through moral relativism and lawlessness to seek world peace, to end war and "love" one another as a fallen humanity (Isa. 48:22; 49:1; 57:21, Rom. 3, Jude 1:10). Hey world, how has that idiocy and delusion worked out for humanity since the fall (Psalm 14, Rom. 3, James 4:1-4)? 

I see Lennon's global utopian vision EXPONENTIALLY farther away than it was 45 years ago; for the Day of the Lord is at hand, in which He will judge the world in RIGHTEOUSNESS!

Today in 2025, I see John Lennon's global utopian vision EXPONENTIALLY farther away than it was some 45 years ago; for the Day of the Lord is at hand, in which Almighty God will judge the world in RIGHTEOUSNESS (Rev. 6-19). The tragedy of the vain lawless utopian dream and its dreamer is that it can NEVER EVER come true without RIGHTEOUSNESS and Almighty God (Matt. 6:33; Rev. 21; 22:1-5)! My dear friends, I used to think just like the world, for John Lennon was a hero of mine in the days of my vanity. That demonic mindset is a TOTAL DELUSION, and how mankind loves to drink it in, especially during the Christmas holiday season! Satan's subtle counter Christmas message is alive and well on planet Earth, and because of global unbelief, it is received yearly. Tragically, as John Lennon goes, he is probably the world's leading musician advocate for "peace"; however, in the reprobate world of John Lennon, he NEVER found "peace" in this world and in the end was murdered by one of his fans.

 This song is a total swipe and dig at the TRUE biblical Christmas message and the rejection thereof. Lennon seeks to encourage all through moral relativism and lawlessness to seek world peace, to end war, and to "love" one another as fallen humanity.

There is absolutely no way that TRUE PEACE and PERFECT HARMONY can EVER be brought about WITHOUT the ETERNAL established RIGHTEOUSNESS of ALMIGHTY GOD (Isa. 32:17, 48:18,22). Almighty God’s whole ETERNITY and physical universe were established based on the ETERNAL RIGHTEOUS PERSON of the TRIUNE GOD! How deceived are we as humans and totally delusional to think that we, as Adam’s fallen race, could establish a PERFECT world and enter into ETERNITY without the required RIGHTEOUSNESS that Almighty God demands (1 Cor. 6:8-11, Gal. 5:19-21, Rev. 21:8, 22:14-15) . We are a smashed glass or broken egg with absolutely no way our repairing ourselves. 6000 years of human history testify to the fact that we are a violent and lawless race with death as our future and destiny (Rom. 3:23) and on our way to total destruction. If it had not been for Almighty God’s outside intervention holding back the full accumulation of violence of mankind, we would have been extinct a long time ago  (Matt. 24:21-22, 2 Thess. 2:6-8). Isn’t it amazing that as American’s listen to our leaders in Washington D.C., the media (conservative and liberal), Hollywood and the music culture and industry preach utopian ideals unto them that the majority of the world sincerely believe that lie from hell, which is if we just keep working at “peace” (give peace a chance) that we will one day finally achieve it.

How deceived are we as humans and totally delusional to think that we, as Adam’s fallen race, could establish a PERFECT world and enter into ETERNITY without the required RIGHTEOUSNESS that Almighty God demands.

My friend, let's wake up and get real! There is NO WAY that a smashed egg can EVER again be put perfectly back together, and there is NO WAY that this broken world can EVER fix itself. This vain utopian pursuit is the ultimate delusional chasing of the devil’s cattle. At the end of this vain delusional chase, the world will tragically finally find out the REALITIES of time and ETERNITY that they have REJECTED their whole lives (Luke 16:22-31, Heb. 9:27, Rev. 20:11-15). It will be on that Day that these will be fully AWAKENED from their self-induced godless hypnotic delusion and will FULLY understand that their lawless self-willed existence here in time has led them straight into the slaughter house of the ETERNAL Divine Judgment and wrath of Almighty God (Rom. 1:18-32, 2 Thess. 2; 8-12, Rev.20:11-15).

 He sent His Son 2000 years ago born of a virgin, so you might LIVE FOREVER with Him and to enjoy Him in RIGHTEOUS PERFECTION and BLISS FOREVERMORE!

My dear friend, this is not Almighty God’s desire for you, to die in your transgressions. He sent His Son 2000 years ago born of a virgin so you might LIVE FOREVER with Him and to enjoy Him in RIGHTEOUS PERFECTION and BLISS FOREVERMORE (1 Cor. 2:9, Rev 21-22:1-5)! This was Almighty God’s grand desire at the beginning of creation for mankind, not what man has horrifically reaped upon himself. We as a world do not know divine PEACE, let alone the temporal peace that fallen man can barely manufacture (Isa. 32:17, 48:18, 22, 53, John 1:10-11, Rom. 3, Rev.6-16).

A Savior was born and is soon coming again in great glory to establish His 1000-year reign of PEACE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS!

This season may we truly - with all our being - want to know, possess and exercise the wondrous peace of Almighty God which He has brought to us by the shed blood of His dear Son (Eph. 2:14). As we walk in time may we seek to enjoy our redemptive benefits which have been given to us by our God and Savior (Eph. 1:3, 2:1-19, Phil. 4:17, Col. 3:1-4) and the heavenly peace of heart that comes with the fact and reality that our sins and trespasses are removed FOREVER (Psalm 103:12, Rom. 7:24-25, 10:4, Gal 1:4). That my friends is what “peace on earth is all about! Rejoice GREATLY (Phil. 4:4)! A Savior was born and is soon coming again in great glory to establish His 1000-year reign of PEACE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS (Isa. 2:1-4, 9:6-7, 11:1-9, 32:1 Jer. 23:5, 33:15-16, Dan. 2:44-45, 7:7:13-14, Micah 4:1-4)!!!

The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Maranatha ☁️👇☁️

DJP I.F.

A Christmas REALITY - The Baby Jesus was Mary’s RIGHTEOUS Lamb and ETERNAL Propitiation🐑

Just a thought for this Christmas season. One of the greatest myths in all of Christendom is that Mary (Miriam) - the young Jewish girl of king David's line - who gave birth to the Savior of the world was sinless. I myself was taught this as a boy in the Catholic church and it wasn't till I was born again and started reading the Holy Scriptures for myself that I saw the true folly of such a myth. My dear friends, no greater lie could ever be told or fantasy ever believed! When this lie is embraced it derails the total ETERNAL movement of Almighty God and seeks to make the temporal, fallen and mortal the ETERNAL, RIGHTEOUS and DIVINE (Rom. 10:4). Mary herself testified that she rejoiced in Almighty God her Savior and one does not need a Savior if one is not a sinner (Rom. 3:23, 6:23, 10:2-4, Acts 4:12)! If we let the Holy Scriptures of Almighty God and Mary's own personal testimony speak to us then this great fantasy of many can NEVER stand.
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Mary herself testified that she rejoiced in Almighty God her Savior and one does not need a Savior if one is not a sinner.

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And Mary herself said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate (to look with pity on her vile condition) of his handmaiden (slave): for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation (St. Luke 1:45-49).

Also the Holy Scriptures tell us that Mary offered a burnt offering and a sin offering for atonement after her purification (Leviticus 12:1-8). If Mary was not a fallen daughter fallen of Adam she would not have needed to offer an offering of sin.  

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons (St. Luke 2:22-24).

My dear friends, if you are one who holds to the teaching of the Catholic church on Mary of Nazareth I would like to challenge you to believe Almighty God's Word and receive the biblical position of Mary and that of salvation (John 1:12, Acts 16:28-30, Romans 6:23, 10:2-4, 1 John 5:13). Mary the young maiden - by faith - trusted in Almighty God for her ETERNAL salvation as a young girl before her angelic visitation and little did she know that she would be the vessel of Almighty God to bring forth the perfect body for her Lamb and propitiation of her soul (John 1:29, John 3:16-17, 36, Rom. 10:2-4, 1 John 2:2, 4:10).

Mary the young maiden - by faith - trusted in Almighty God for her ETERNAL salvation as a young girl before her angelic visitation and little did she know that she would be the vessel of Almighty God to bring forth the perfect body for her Lamb and propitiation of her soul.

The first Christmas two thousand years ago - the young Jewish girl of the tribe of Judea - Mary; was trying to comprehend and take in the wonders of the last nine months (Matt. 1, Luke 2:24-80). Mary was highly favored above all women and was given the Divine assignment to prepare the body for the ETERNAL Spirit of the Son of Almighty God (Isa. 9:6-7, Micah 5:2, John 1:12, Heb. 10). The true servant's heart and faith of Mary are to be greatly commended and her exampled followed; but when individuals seek to change her testimony and her witness to fantastic fables they do her and her ETERNAL Savior a great disservice and dishonor.

Dear friend; baby Jesus was Mary’s ETERNAL RIGHTEOUS Lamb of atonement and propitiation for her sins (John 2:29; Rom. 3:23, 1 John 4:7-10). Mary needed a Savior and believed as the Word of God clearly stated (Lev.). What about you? If Mary was here today she would point you to her God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Messiah to save your soul and give you ETERNAL LIFE (John 3:16-17). What will you do this Christmas season? Will you listen to Biblical Mary or traditional Mary? The choice is yours to make

The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!! Maranatha ☁️👇☁️

DJP I.F.