We celebrate Hanukkah (or the Feast of Dedication) in our Christian home to focus on God’s omnipotence and faithfulness to His people. As Christians, we also celebrate the re-dedication of our lives due to the cleansing of our hearts through the sacrifice of Jesus on …
Hanukkah and Purim: What Do They Mean to the Christian Faith?
In addition to the seven biblically commanded feasts in Leviticus 23, some Christians observe Purim and Hanukkah. While these celebrations have been primarily Jewish throughout history, they offer a rich supplement to the faith of a Christian. They also serve to pass traditions on to the next …
Hanukkah 101: An Introduction for Christians
You may have heard that many Christians celebrate Hanukkah. Although it’s most commonly known as a Jewish holiday, Hanukkah is relevant to the Christian faith. Aside from Jesus himself celebrating Hanukkah in the bible (John 10:22-23), the themes and story behind Hanukkah are reasons for …
The Aaronic Blessing: An Introduction
The Aaronic Blessing, also known as the Priestly Blessing, is commonly known among Christians, and it’s said after the service in Christian churches of many denominations and Jewish synagogues. Aside from being a nice thing to say before congregants exit the sanctuary, why is it …
Hear, O Israel: What Does the Shema Mean for Christians?
The Shema is recited at synagogues worldwide and twice daily by Orthodox Jews and some Christians. Its meaning is deep and answers life’s most challenging questions. When sung in Hebrew, its cadence is soothing and poetic. It consists of three parts, beginning with Deuteronomy 6:4-9. …
An Attitude of Gratitude: Sukkot for Christians
In a festival similar to Thanksgiving, the Biblical feast of Sukkot (pronounced sue-COAT) gives us a chance to focus on our blessings from God and His desire to be with His people. Also called the Feast of Booths, Tabernacles, or Ingathering, it’s one of the seven …
Yom Kippur: Fasting for Christians
Observing the Biblical Holy Days is a rich experience for Christians, and Yom Kippur is no exception. Most of us are familiar with the themes of atonement and repentance of this Feast Day. But what about fasting? Traditionally, Yom Kippur is observed with a 25-hour fast. Do we have …
Atonement and Repentance: Why Are Christians Celebrating Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur is considered a primarily Jewish holiday and is even called the Holiest Holy Day of the year on the Hebrew calendar! Yet the number of Christians celebrating Yom Kippur (the day of atonement for sin) is growing. What does this biblical Holy Day have …
How Do the Biblical Feast Days Point to Jesus?
You may have heard many Christians started observing the Biblical Feast Days. You may have even heard them claim these seven Feast Days point to Jesus as our Messiah. Since the connection between the commands to observe these days in Leviticus and our faith in Jesus …