December 14 - Day 8
BACKGROUND: The final day of Hanukkah, we again go back to the third blessing of Hanukkah recited only on the first night - "Bless are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season."
Let's go back to the first night of Hanukkah this year. For many of you, this is your first celebration of the holiday. God brought you to this season. God directed your steps to find these posts, to trust an amateur writer who loves the Jewish people however imperfectly. He brought you to the lighting of the candles. Many of you, He also brought through these last eight days. Thanks for hanging with us!
REFLECTION: Reflect on the last eight days. How have they blessed you or challenged you? Do you feel a pull on your heart for the Jewish people and their traditions?
PRAY: Holy Spirit, would you lead us in prayer this night. Reveal what you have done through this expression of Hanukkah. Reveal what You would have us do before you bring us to another Hanukkah season. We hold all things with open hands - do Your work in Your way until we light the Hanukkah lights again.