THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL
On the evening of the 14th December 2025, corresponding to the 24th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, Jewish people all over the world will light the first ‘Hanukkah’ candle to begin celebrating the eight day festival of ‘Hanukkah’ which is celebrated by Jewish people to commemorate the victory of the Jews over the Hellenist Syrians in 165 BCE, when the Maccabees, sons of the Priestly Hasmonean family, led the Jews in their revolt against the Syrian overlords.
Following their victory, the Maccabees entered the Holy Temple in Jerusalem defiled by the Syrian invaders, cleansed it, and dedicated it anew to the service of G-d.
However, when the Judean heroes were making ready to rededicate the Temple, they were unable to find enough undefiled oil to light the lamps.
However, in one of the Temple chambers, they came upon a small jar of oil which, under normal circumstances, would have lasted only one evening. Miraculously, this small amount of oil kept the Temple lights burning not for one night, but for eight nights until new oil, fit for use in the temple, could be obtained.
This is the miracle commemorated by the kindling of the ‘Hanukkah’ lights.
At this time of ‘Hanukkah’, we sing a Hebrew song in which there is a line, “al hanisim v’al hanifla’ot”, which speaks about miracles and wonders.
From the beginning of history, Jewish people have seen and experienced miracles and wonders, and we read of so many miracles and wonders in the Bible.
However, are miracles and wonders for today?
Just the existence of the Jewish people after more than 2,000 years of dispersion, murder and persecution is a miracle.
The existence of modern day Israel and the fact that over seven million Jews live there is a miracle.
The fact that Israel, the smallest nation in the Middle East, is surrounded by much larger and seemingly more powerful adversaries and yet cannot be conquered is a miracle.
Israel is a tiny country surrounded by hostile nations who want to see her destruction.
The population of Israel numbers approximately eight million of which seven million are Jewish as opposed to the approximately two hundred and ninety million Arabs which make up the surrounding nations who seek Israel’s annihilation.
The land size of Israel is 8,442 square miles as opposed to the 5,509,288 square miles which make up the surrounding hostile nations bent on the destruction of Israel…and Israel still stands.
This is nothing more than a miracle and the faithfulness of the faithful G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Israel has fought numerous wars and battles as well as combating terrorism on an almost daily basis since its miraculous birth in 1948. And to this day, G-d keeps His covenant with Israel; not because they deserve it, but for His name’s sake and because He is a covenant keeping G-d who has always defended Israel, is defending Israel today, and will always defend Israel in the future.
So clearly, just by looking at the Jewish people and the Land of Israel we see one of the greatest miracles of all time.
However, there is another miracle which, I believe, is the greatest miracle of all.
In John 14:12, Yeshua says: ““Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.””
Yeshua tells us that, as born again believers in Him, we will do greater works than He did.
Greater works than Yeshua! What greater works can we do than Yeshua? Sharing the greatest miracle of all, salvation.
No miracle is greater than that of salvation; leading a person to freedom from sin and the snare of death to a life of forgiveness and everlasting life in Heaven. However, let us remember that salvation begins with the Jewish people.
Yeshua Himself says in John 4:22: “You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.”
Above all miracles, people need the miracle of salvation – Both Jews and Gentiles.
In fact, there is a G-d-given mandate to the Gentile church regarding the Jewish people that is made very clear in Romans 11:11-14: “I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them.”
So, are miracles for today? Absolutely!
Right now, many people are walking in fear and darkness – The war in Ukraine; lawlessness; uncertain political situations around the world; mass demonstrations; failing economies; natural disasters around the world on an unprecedented scale etc.
For Israelis and Jewish people in general, the volatile situation in Israel with certain nations and terrorist organisations focus being the destruction of Israel; the continual delegitimization of Israel; anti-Semitism and Jew hatred reaching unprecedented levels, and continuous attacks on Jewish people and Jewish institutions around the world.
As for Christians, you are not immune. The attack on Christianity as well as the delegitimization of Christianity is also reaching unprecedented levels. There are those who want the Bible to be banned and who label the Bible as hate speech.
And many Christians are being executed and even beheaded for their faith in Jesus – mostly by Islamic terrorists and fundamentalists.
Maybe even some of you reading this are walking in fear and darkness.
Well here is the good news! If you follow the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, you will not walk in darkness, but you will have the Light of life.
You will have the peace of G-d, “which surpasses all understanding which will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
And you will have a glorious eternal future in heaven.
Don't focus on the darkness of this world; focus on the Jewish 'Moshiach' (Messiah), Yeshua. Make Him your L-rd and Saviour, and allow Him to kindle your spirit with His light.
So have you received G-d’s greatest miracle, salvation? Are your sins taken care of and is your eternal future secure?
If you haven’t received G-d’s greatest miracle, salvation, why not make Yeshua L-rd of your life by confessing and repenting of your sins and receiving Him as your Messiah.
And if you are a born-again follower of Yeshua, through kindness, concern and caring, will you be a light for Almighty G-d by taking the message of this greatest of all miracles to the people in your sphere of influence – both Jews and Gentiles.
This festive season leading up to Christmas is all about the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords – Jesus. Let us all use this season as an opportunity take the good news of salvation to a world in dire need of Jesus.
We pray that you will all be blessed over this season which leads into 2026.
We also pray that the L-rd will always go before you to prepare the way for you; that He will always be next to you to lead and guide you, and that He will always go behind you as your rear guard to protect you.
