Newsletter

Born is the King of Israel

December 24, 2023

'Tis the season!' it is said around this time of year---every year. With Chanukah, Christmas and New Year's celebrations happening the world over, there is something for everybody suggested by that simple phrase. For us here in our 'House of Worship,' this season has been like none we have ever known. The brutal, horrifying and evil Oct. 7th attack on Israel was an unsettling prelude to a season of celebration and commemoration. Currently, the historic drama of the Maccabees overcoming their enemies seems to be playing out in real time as the Israelis fight for their nation and its survival. The singing of 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel' at Christmas seems less like an ancient prayer and more like a modern day plea to Heaven to 'ransom captive Israel.' A New Year beckons us all, full of promise but also peril. And in the midst of it all, 'tis the season' to recall, in the words of that beautiful carol, Noel, Noel:

'Born is the King of Israel!'

The 'eight lights' kindled at Chanukah foreshadow the coming of the 'one light' that lightens every man and woman who comes into the world. The dazzling lights of Christmas diminish the darkness all around us and enlighten our hope for 'peace on earth, good will toward men.' The dawning of a new year turns one observed 'advent season' into another; a season of watching and waiting for the second 'advent' when we can truly sing: 'Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King.' No one knows when that day will be--but it is sure to happen. For that matter, none of us knows the exact date of the birth of our Messiah, the Savior of the world---but it surely did happen. And because, as the song says, 'Born is the King of Israel,' though we know not WHEN He will come, we know WHERE he will come. Jerusalem awaits the 'advent' of the Messiah hoped for by the 'heroes of Hanukkah,' the return of 'Jesus, our Emmanuel and, one day, the 'new creation' hinted at by every new year.

Until then, my family and I--and this ministry--wish for all of you, a blessed holiday season. Whether it be the season for Chanukah, Christmas or, simply a brand new year, our prayer is that it be the best one ever for you and yours. Because the King of Israel was born, we who believe will never die, His people and land are forever, and His Kingdom HAS and WILL come!



Shalom and Love,

In the Name of Yeshua,

Marty and Jenny