Night 8, the final night of Hanukkah in 2020, will begin at sunsets on 12-17. Night 7, the night before, will be the monthly night of the new (renewed) moon called The Rosh Chodesh at Tevet 1. Days 1 through 7 of Hanukkah 2020 unfold as Israel goes into the darkness of the lunar cycle, the light on the moon is waning (decreasing) toward total darkness. At Israel, the landscape will be at the most dark as Kislev ends. Darkness into light is a Scriptural pattern of significance. A new Scriptural Day begins as darkness arrives, then with dawn the light increases. A new Scriptural Month begins as darkness gives way to increasing light of the sun reflected on the lunar surface.

 

   In the times of the Messiah of Israel, the bride and her bridesmaids needed small clay lamps with olive oil and wicks, to light their way outside in darkness at the midnight hour. When was it most dark outside at night? During the nights approaching The Rosh Chodesh! These are important details relating to the Ancient Galilean Wedding Model. At The Rosh Chodesh, the lunar surface is just beginning to reflect the light of the sun. At only 8%, there is the waxing thin crescent moon. The light on the moon increases on Tevet 1.

 

  Kislev and Tevet are in the Olive Harvest Season of Israel. Think olive oil and lamps. When was the olive oil most abundant in days of old for Israel? This time of year. Now, During Hanukkah some people use wax stick candles on their hanukkiahs. Some use plastic containers with olive oil and wicks! After Night 7 of Hanukkah, there are only 9 lights, left of 44/45, for Night 8. For those using oil rather than stick candles, they are running out of oil! Their olive oil is very depleted. On Night 8 when all lights are ablaze, there is no more oil for the lamps! Gone. The merchants will be sold out, or few packages of  such olive oil  will be available from them. Are these all clues for us to consider Hanukkah as The Season when Abba Father might send His Son for His Bride of the Ages?

 

   Also. Go forward from Kislev Eve 24 (related to Haggai 2:20) to Night 8 of Hanukkah. This adds up to 9.  How many lamps are on a hanukkiah? There are 9! What number of special gifts does the Messiah give His Bride? The 9 Fruit of the Spirit! Galatians 5 lists them: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. Priceless Wedding Presents!

 

   One more thing. King David’s seat was empty at The Rosh Chodesh. Who is the greater Davidic King? The Messiah! Will He leave His seat (Throne) in Heaven on a Rosh Chodesh to be sent by Abba Father to collect His Bride of the Ages? The Bride prepares…

 

 

 

With Love and Shalom,

Jean