December 2011 - Margaret Feinberg

During Christmas we celebrate the miracle of the Incarnation, when God became man and lived among us. But did you know another miracle is also celebrated around Christmastime? This year, Hanukkah begins the evening of December 20^th and lasts until the sunset of December 28^th. The holiday is also called The Festival of Lights. John 10:22-23 mentions Jesus in Jerusalem during the Feast of the Dedication, yet another name for Hanukkah.

What was the miracle of Hanukkah?

A Greek ruler named Antiochus IV ruled over Jerusalem from 175 BC to 164 BC. He declared Judaism illegal, killing anyone who dared practice the Sabbath, circumcise their baby boys, or keep any other Jewish custom. Antiochus turned God’s Temple into a temple for Zeus and sacrificed pigs on the altar, an unspeakable abomination for the Jews.

This caused the Jews to launch a large-scale revolt and by 165 BC, the Jews succeeded in freeing the Temple. They rededicated and cleansed the Temple, but when the priests tried to place olive oil in the menorah, a lampstand built in Moses’ time that was required to burn each day, only one day’s worth of olive oil was usable.

The priests decided to use the oil anyway and trust God with the rest. The oil lasted eight days-the exact amount of time needed to press and make more oil.

As Christians we should care about Hanukkah because of who dwelled inside the Temple-God’s very presence and glory. To slander the Temple meant to slander God Himself. If the Temple remained lost, many Jewish people may have given up hope waiting for the Messiah. Instead, Zechariah in Luke 1:11 encounters an angel in the Temple to help prepare the way of the coming Messiah. In Luke 2:27-38, both Simeon and Anna meet their blessed Savior at the Temple after waiting for many, many years. As mentioned earlier, even Jesus, the Messiah himself, celebrates the rededication of the Temple in the Gospel of John.

When has God provided the exact amount of time needed to work a miracle in your life?

*Photo courtesy of here

As you wake up late, you realize your alarm was set for p.m. instead of a.m. You rush to the shower only to discover all the hot water disappeared. To your despair, the kitchen looks like a disaster zone. Coffee drips down your white shirt when the vehicle in the next lane cuts you off. You arrive to your destination late, irritable, and wishing this day was over. Haven’t we all had bad days?

A recent study by Dr. Rothbard from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Wilk from the Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University analyzed the connection between productivity and a good mood. Employees who began their workday in a bad mood dropped more than 10% in productivity after interacting with customers. On the other hand, those who arrived with a pleasant disposition normally ended their day in a happy temperament and gave better service.

Here are 3 ways you can encourage a happy mood:

1. Have you heard the phrase “Smiles are contagious”? Smiling invokes positive emotions, unlike frowning, which psychologically produces negative emotions. When you put forth effort to smile, others around you will feel more upbeat and relaxed.

2. Decorate your workspace with items connected to favorite memories, such as pictures, song lyrics, or a favorite softball. Seeing these will trigger pleasant emotions.

3. Take a quick five-minute time out. Breathe deeply and try to slow down your mind. Now is a good time to talk to God about what’s bothering you or read a verse from Scripture. Not only will this deepen your intimacy with the Divine and allows God’s peace to wash over you, but praying also gives you space and time to change your attitude.

What else can you do to create a happy environment around you?

*Photo courtesy of here