Please understand that the above word typically identifies a Jewish Holiday. I do not intend to diminish that Holiday in anyway. I simply want to show how the Holy Spirit works and how a word can have different meanings to different people with differing beliefs.
HANUKKAH
by Ralph Thoren
September 27,2020
The question was and is why?
During the past week or so, I have been obsessed with learning the Hebrew language. I have never had that interest at any other time in my life, nor is there any requirement for me to know this language for studies in theology and the ongoing web effort. In either case I have purchased the books and material to start study in this area.
Our time in the local Church, (Vineyard in Big Pine, Florida) is typically on Saturday nights. So, last night during quiet times I asked My Lord why Hebrew? and if, I could get a sign. I was a bit nervous about asking the Lord for a sign, but I remembered that his Disciples often asked for and received signs. I simply asked that if it be his will that I pursue this Hebrew language that he simply say something to me in Hebrew or a sign in Hebrew.
And the rest of the story
Now you must know, I know no Hebrew language and could only think of a couple of words in my memory.
So, the service was great, the music inspirational and the message moving, but no Hebrew. We left the Church and driving home leaving the Hebrew question behind. When, WHOA out of the blue come’s
“Hanukkah”. Ok, I guess there is another Jewish word that is in my memory but is it even Hebrew. I knew this word to represent a Jewish celebration that occurs around our Christmas Time.
The way it came to me seemed like spiritual inspiration and the word passed my spirit test to be certain I was receiving from the correct source. Next, I check out the word for definition, other meanings etc.
To my surprise the following defines Hanukkah.
The name of the holiday, Hanukkah, comes from the Hebrew word for “dedication,” “consecration” or “inauguration.”
Dedication: commitment (re-born)
consecration: Consecrate means to make holy or to dedicate to a higher purpose. (Our lives))
Inauguration: a ceremony to mark the beginning of something. (Christian Baptism?) The thoughts in parenthesis are just my ramblings.
So, this word seems to be inspired, yes, I know it is. However, I am somewhat confused on consecration and inauguration. I will just pray on it more and start my studies in the Hebrew language.