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Holy Days: Hanukkah Sameach! (Happy Hanukkah!) Dec. 20-28, 2011

December 22, 2011 by 4 Comments

Today we are continuing to celebrate Hanukkah. This year, Hanukkah lasts from December 20 until December 28th. Many people recognize this as the “Festival of Lights” But it is so much more than that. Hanukkah is less about light and oil than it is about dedication and faith.

You see, about 165 BC the Syrian King who ruled over Israel, King Antiochus IV appointed a Hellenistic High Priest over Israel. He prohibited the study of Torah, and he commanded the sacrifice of swine upon the holy altar. This was about as much desecration as the temple had ever seen. [Read more...]

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Holy Days: The Festival of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

October 12, 2011 by 11 Comments

Thanks to Mat Reames for sharing this insight on Sukkot for our Holy Days Series - a series of articles dedicated to our Christian/Hebraic holidays, feasts, and observances.

This Wednesday (tonight) begins the Festival of Tabernacles. This is an 8 day time of hiding away. It is a festival wherein you draw away from the world and you draw into the Lord. Many Christians feel they do not need to celebrate the Jewish holidays because they are no longer under the Law. However, this is not about salvation, grace, or anything of that nature; it is about doing the things that please the Lord, and getting closer and more intimate with him.

[Read more...]

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Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah

September 27, 2011 by 7 Comments

Thanks to Mat Reames for sharing this rich insight into Rosh Hashanah for our Holy Days series – a series of articles dedicated to our Christian/Hebraic holidays, feasts, and observances.

Rosh Hashanah is coming up at the end of this month. But do many Christians have any idea what that means? Sadly no. That is why I am writing this article. I believe that there is much to be learned from studying Jewish culture, customs, and their calendar. Because they receive many of these times, seasons, and traditions from The Lord himself. If we begin to understand these customs, we will be able to understand our God a little better. [Read more...]

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Holy Days: Ash Wednesday And Lent

February 23, 2011 by 13 Comments

Part of Holy Days – A series of articles dedicated to our Christian/Hebraic holidays and observances.

Hi. My name is Mandy. And I’m a 30-something guitar-playing worship leader & creative church staffer at a contemporary church and I love the ebb and flow of the Christian Calendar year.

Now, everybody say “Hi Mandy.”

Glad we got that out of the way. And what better time to confess my affection for the Christian Calendar than with my favorite holy day right around the corner. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured Story, Holy Days, Recent Articles, Worship Leadership, Worship Planning