Passing the Light Forward

With each night of Hanukkah, the light increases, illuminating more of the darkness. This growing brightness reflects God’s desire for His people to be or lagoyim (אוֹר לַגּוֹיִם)—a light to the nations. The menorah is intentionally placed where it can be seen, teaching us that God’s work in our lives is not meant to remain hidden. His faithfulness is meant to be visible, offering testimony and hope to others.

As believers in Yeshua, we are entrusted with carrying that light forward. The light we bear is sustained by tikvah (תִּקְוָה)—a hope rooted not in circumstances, but in the unchanging promises of God. This hope does not deny the darkness of the world; it shines within it. In times of uncertainty, division, and weariness, a life anchored in God’s truth becomes a quiet but powerful witness.

In today’s culture, faith is often expected to remain private, subdued, or confined to personal belief. Public expressions of conviction can feel uncomfortable or risky. Yet Hanukkah reminds us that faith lived authentically will naturally be seen. Passing the light forward does not require grand gestures or public platforms—it happens through consistency, kindness, and courage in everyday life.

Applying this message today means asking ourselves how God’s light is reflected through our words, choices, and presence. Do we bring calm into tense spaces? Compassion into conversations filled with judgment? Integrity into environments where shortcuts are normalized? Even small acts of faithfulness can become beacons for someone else navigating their own darkness.

A simple practice for Day 7: choose one intentional act of light. Reach out to someone who may feel forgotten, offer encouragement where criticism is common, or share a story of how God has sustained you during a difficult season. Light the seventh candle and pray that God would use your life—quietly or boldly—to point others toward hope.

Hanukkah teaches us that light multiplies when it is shared. As we pass it forward, we participate in God’s ongoing work of redemption, allowing His truth and love to shine beyond ourselves and into the world that so deeply needs it.

~Pam~