Happy Hanukkah from the Holy Land! What a special time of the year this is! Despite the best efforts of the enemy to cover over God with festivities, commercialism, and consumerism, those of us in the know do not forget who this season is all about.
“Hanukkah” means dedication and it is an annual reminder of God’s faithfulness to and provision for His people. Like the Jews of the 2nd Century B.C. who rededicated the temple to God, this should be a time of rededication for all followers of the one true God. Because the Holy Spirit indwells every believer, he or she is a temple in and of themselves. Let us take this time to rededicate our hearts and our bodies and our minds to the worship and service of the Lord.
This is also the time for Christmas. The key word for this celebration is “Immanuel” – God with us. This name is the representation of the Father’s great plan for the redemption of the world through sending His Son to us. As John wrote:
John 3:16 KJV – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Jesus came to be our atoning sacrifice, so that through faith in Him we may receive eternal life. But “God with us” doesn’t just refer to Jesus’ proximity by coming to the earth. God is with us because of the reconciling relationship that comes through receiving Jesus the Messiah as our Lord and Savior. As Jesus Himself said:
John 14:20 KJV – “At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.”
This is the reason for this season. God is with us, and through Jesus we can receive new life – life evermore. Therefore, let us rededicate ourselves, using the time we have left before His return to be His light that shines His love to the world.
The Middle East
Israel and US Hit Syrian Targets
Late Monday, Israeli jets attacked militia targets in Syria. The primary objective was an Iranian air defense battery that was recently installed near the Damascus International Airport. Two Syrian soldiers were wounded in the strike. Meanwhile, in northeastern Syria, American forces carried out three helicopter raids over a 48-hour period capturing six ISIS operatives. Among the captured terrorists was al-Zubaydi, an Islamic State Syria senior official who was involved in the planning and facilitating of numerous attacks in Syria.
Unmanned Israeli Vessel Makes Groundbreaking Voyage into Arab Waters
The end of November saw the US Navy carrying out a first-of-its-kind exercise in the Arabian Gulf. Called Digital Horizon, the mission was to enhance the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and mesh networks through the employment of unmanned vessels in order to better determine the deployment of manned assets in problem areas. While the technology was cutting edge, it was not the only element that was groundbreaking. As part of the exercise, for the first time, an Israeli unmanned vessel, called “Shahaf” (Seagull), entered the Arabian Gulf sailing to within just 200 km from the coast of Iran.
Netanyahu to Swear In New Government by End of Year
Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu informed President Yitzhak Herzog today that he has successfully formed a government. He is now set to have it sworn in by January 2, after the parliament passes some laws that were demanded by his coalition partners as a pre-condition for joining his government.
Iran Captures Mossad-Linked Spy Squad
Iranian intelligence forces claim to have busted a spy ring that was operating in behalf of the Israeli Mossad. The men involved were making inroads into the defense industry through the establishment of fake companies. Earlier this month, the Iranian judiciary executed four men who had been found guilty of having connections to the Mossad.
UN Peacekeeper Killed by Hezbollah Soldier in Lebanon
An Irish member of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) lost his life last Thursday when the convoy he was traveling in was attacked by members of Hezbollah. Pvt. Seán Rooney of Newtowncunningham, Ireland, was killed and three other soldiers were wounded, one seriously. Rooney’s body was returned to Ireland on Sunday.
Economic Woes within the Middle East
There are a number of Middle Eastern nations that are facing major economic woes. The Lebanese currency hit an all-time low of 45,000 pounds to the dollar yesterday. The Iranian currency has lost 18% of its value just since September reaching an all-time low of 392,000 rial to the dollar. Meanwhile, in Ma’an, Jordan, a police officer was shot to death last Thursday during violent protests over skyrocketing fuel prices.
Russian Cruise Missiles Turn Out Ukraine’s Lights
A massive Russian barrage of more than 70 cruise missiles on Friday wiped out more than 50% of Ukraine’s electricity capacity, causing the operator of the beleaguered nation’s electrical grid, Ukrenergo, to declare a state of emergency. This is part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s direct targeting of the citizens of Ukraine’s biggest cities.
Zelenskyy and Putin Hit the Road
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy landed in Washington, D.C., yesterday. He was received with much fanfare at the White House by President Joe Biden, then he addressed a joint meeting of Congress. When he returns to Ukraine, he will take with him a promise by the US to send $1.8 billion in military aid. This will include for the first time Patriot missiles, America’s most advanced air defense system. The military materiel is just a fraction of the $45 billion in aid that the US is sending to Ukraine this next year. Earlier in the week, Russian President Vladimir Putin journeyed to Minsk to speak with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. In the weeks leading up to the visit, joint military training exercises with Russia and the buildup of troops near the border with Ukraine have made it appear more and more like Belarus was preparing to jump into the conflict. When asked what they talked about, however, Putin insisted they primarily discussed the economy and further cooperation. Lukashenko then stifled a giggle, nudged Putin with his elbow, then said, “Right, the economy,” air quoting the final word.
Poland Prepares Civilian Volunteers for Possible Military “Crisis”
Thousands of civilian volunteers are being recruited in Poland for a military training program this winter. These volunteers are all ages, including children. The nation wants “to train as many people as possible” in order to be prepared for a “crisis”, said Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.
Kim Jong-un Fires More Missiles
As part of Kim Jong-un’s strategy to somehow make himself relevant in the world, North Korea fired two more ballistic missiles last week. In response, the US has deployed F-22 stealth fighters and B-52 bombers to South Korea for joint drills.
Peru Protests Gain Momentum
The impeachment and removal from office of Peru’s President Pedro Castillo on December 7 has led to violent protests throughout the country. More than 20 deaths have occurred in the past two weeks and tourists stranded by protestors at Machu Picchu have had to be airlifted out. A state of emergency persists in the nation.
Lately, there has been more click-bait sensationalism about a new messiah in Israel. This irresponsible nonsense centers around a young rabbi who has never called himself a messiah, who is surrounded by people who have never said he is a messiah, and who is living in a country where hardly anyone has ever heard of him.
Everyone please stop this foolishness! We have our Messiah! If you doubt me, look at the little baby in your Christmas nativity. We don’t need a new Messiah. The One we already have is more than sufficient.
In fact, He is the perfect person for His perfect role in the redemptive plan of God. So, enjoy your Christmas on Sunday as you celebrate the glorious birth of our true, one-and-only blessed Messiah!
