The Maccabee’s risked their lives so that they and their children could believe and practice their faith, their traditions, and ways that were passed down to them, from the God of their Understanding.
Today we are under a similar oppression. They are not crucifying us…yet . But in ways, we are no longer able to practice our beliefs as we once could in America because it offends others.
We have all seen it and felt it. I won’t go into details. At times we have to be cautious in regards to what we say and do due to the fact there are people in places that could affect our daily means.
I am not calling anyone to arms here, but would you be willing to stand up for your faith as the Maccabee’s did?
It’s something to think about. Will we be the Light that our Faith asks us to be in our time of need?
Each night of Chanukah, three prayers are said at the lighting of each candle;
- A general prayer
- a prayer thanking God for performing miracles for our ancestors at this time
- a general prayer thanking God for allowing us to reach this time of year
Maybe in the general pray, we add something like, “continue to give us the strength to stand up and be the light that you want us to be.”
