And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

-Luke 2:8-14/NIV

Many scholars, including Rabbi Jason Sobel and others believe Jesus was conceived at Hanukkah, the festival of lights, and born at the time of the feast of the Tabernacles, or the celebration of gathering in Jerusalem to celebrate God’s provision while in the dessert for 40 years.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as … We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son. -John 1:14/NIV

The word for “dwelling” means “tabernacle” in Hebrew. As one of my ministers said long ago, “Jesus came and made tabernacle among us.”

I am not one to change the holiday season, but isn’t it interesting that Christ, the Light of the World was possibly conceived during the festival of lights and then was born into a tabernacle, a temporary succoth, or tent, to dwell among us?

The more I learn of Jewish traditions and celebrations, the more I see how intricately God has woven His story into history through the Jewish people, the root of Jesse, the ancestors of Christ who was a celebrating Jew Himself.

I am not suggesting we become Jews, but neither do I suggest that Messianic Jews let go of the celebrations that reflect Christ at every turn and still teach all Jewish people.

I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations… -Isaiah 42:6b/NIV

We thank you God for sending Jesus, our Light into human form to dwell among us and show us You.

Amazing!