Chanukah And Christmas
(footnote)
2100 years ago a band of Jews defeated the Greek army
And drove them off their land, reclaiming the holy temple
In Jerusalem and rededicating it to the service of god.
when they sought to light the temples menorah
They found only a single cruse of olive oil that
escaped contamination by the Greeks.
Miraculously the one day supply lasted eight days.
The sages instituted the festival of Chanukah
To publicize these miracles.
The Dreidel which is a four sided top with a
Hebrew letter on each side which means
“ a great miracle happened here”
was used later on in the years to give thanks to god
Without the enemy knowing that they were praying.
Chanukah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.
Chanukah is probably one of the best known Jewish holidays, not because of any great religious significance, but because of its proximity to Christmas. Many non-Jews (and even many assimilated Jews!) think of this holiday as the Jewish Christmas, adopting many of the Christmas customs, such as elaborate gift-giving and decoration. It is bitterly ironic that this holiday, which has its roots in a revolution against assimilation and suppression of Jewish religion, has become the most assimilated, secular holiday on our calendar.
Christmas and Chanukah are known world wide
But these two faiths do not collide.
They walk hand in hand
For they came out of the promised land.
You see: the son of god was born a Jew
The Romans felt this was taboo.
No other religion could exist
This was controlled by the Romans fist.
JESUS preached in synagogues throughout the lands
Something that the Romans did withstand.
His own people wanted his death
But little did they know
That with this- a new faith would grow.
The cross on which he died became a symbol
Of Christianity, and that’s the way
God meant it to be.
Chanukah is eight days of giving while the Christian
Holiday is just one day, but during these
holidays we all kneel and pray.
We give GOD thanks for all the beauties of the earth
And for family and friends, and it is something
That will never end.
As long as man holds a belief in their hearts
And faith, -then all will be overcome and
Let GODS will be done.
poem by Louis Rams
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Related quotes
A Chanuka and Christmas Carol
Chanukah and Christmas – Let's celebrate the light
The Grace of God Eternal dispels the dark of night.
Daniel had prophesied the Desolation
False idols in the temple: 'twas the Desecration
Little lamp oil remained for the altar dedication
So God provided the light to this and every earthly nation.
Chanukah and Christmas – Let's celebrate the light
The Grace of the Father dispels the dark of night.
NesGadolHayahSham – A Great Miracle Happened there
The star of Bethlehem lit the way to a little manger where
The miracle of Jesus birth in the creche of a mare.
Hosanna, Alleluia, the Angel Chorus does declare.
Chanukah and Christmas – Let's celebrate the light
The Light of the Messiah dispels the dark of night.
At the time of Chanukah on the porch of Solomon
The Messiah was revealed, Jesus is the Father's son.
Sheep follow the shepherd and unto him ye run,
And recognize the works which show that He and God are one.
Chanukah and Christmas – Let's celebrate the light
The Light of the Good Shepherd dispels the dark of night.
The rededication lacked the glory of the Ark
But when Immanuel came, He dispelled the dark.
So worship not in a building cold and stark.
But in Spirit and in Truth – Jesus the eternal bulwark.
Chanukah and Christmas – Let's celebrate the light
The Light of the Holy Spirit dispels the dark of night.
The eternal sacrifice, His body: temple stones and bricks.
Like the shammus which lights all menorrah wicks.
Jesus, the servant-king, lights our spirit-candle sticks
That we may be His beacons, His light our hearts affix.
Chanukah and Christmas – Let's celebrate the light
The Light of the World dispels the dark of night.
Based on Daniel 8: 11 9: 27 11: 31 12: 11 and John 10: 23
Copyright 2007 (c) Daniel Partlow
poem by Daniel Partlow
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You Don't Have to Be a Christian to Love Christmas
You don't have to be a Christian to love Christmas,
It's a festival for all the girls and boys;
Even Buddha, meditatin' can hardly bear the waitin'
For jolly Santa and his bag of toys.
You don't have to be a Christian to love Christmas,
It's such fun to decorate the Christmas tree;
The Shinto in Japan and the kids of the Koran,
Their eyes light up when all the gifts they see.
You don't have to be a Christian to love Christmas,
It's a holiday for all the world to share;
The Druid and the Jain and the atheist down the lane
Are wrapping gifts for family everywhere.
You don't have to be a Christian to love Christmas,
There's a friendliness in everyone you meet;
The Hindu and the Wiccan can bake a sumptious chicken
And invite the Jewish family down the street!
poem by John Bliven Morin
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What Is A Jewish Poem?
WHAT IS A JEWISH POEM?
What is a Jewish poem?
‘Shema’ is a Jewish poem
Perhaps the Jewish poem-
'Shmoneh Esreh' is comprised of Jewish poems
Nineteen prayers as one-
Our history is filled with Jewish poems-
From the beginning with Abraham and Sarah
Those who have given so much beyond our understanding -
Jewish poems everywhere -
Is each Jewish life a poem and a story also?
Or is it only those who give something to our people and history
Who are worthy of Poetry?
I have known many Jewish poems
People the great world will not know the names of
People who whether they walked humbly or not
Made the lives of others better in some way –
Kindness is perhaps the ultimate Jewish poem
And Justice also-
And Jewish poems are not without their contradictions –
As I write this poem in Jerusalem in the land of Israel
I think of the small Jewish world of Troy New York where I came from so many years ago
And miss so many people no longer of that and this world –
Longing for Israel for two thousand years was the Jewish poem
Living here now is a blessing and a gift
I thank God for.
poem by Shalom Freedman
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A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture
When a snowman winks his eyes of coal,
And from their windows children know...
Magic's in the air.
And they wish they are on Santa's list.
As children everywhere wish this.
The Christmas Trees that are trimmed with them,
Excites with the bright lights shining.
Dining festively on treats...
Will be remembered year to year.
This and every Christmas.
Joyous Eid al-Adha (The Festival of Sacrifice)
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'
Merry Christmas...
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'
Happy Chanukah...
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'
Happy Kwanzaa...
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'
And...The Best of New Years to Come,
To ALL in Celebration of United Humanity.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Another Christmas
We don’t need another Christmas, but, we need the Lord Jesus,
The Savior, Who was long before, this holiday that many adore;
Whether just a day or the season, many forget He is the reason,
Why we observe Christmas at all, now, it’s tainted by man’s fall.
Christmas day will come and go, but Jesus many need to know,
He is the beginning and the end, well before and after my friend;
On this holiday we call Christmas, by many, The Truth is missed,
He’s the Only Gift we must embrace, sent to all, by God’s Grace.
Not only did Christ come before, but only His Gift’s forevermore,
Christmas will be over my friend, unlike my Lord who has no end,
Christ cannot be packed away, for in a believer He’s here to stay,
For The Lord shall never depart, with God’s Spirit within our heart.
Not only for a holiday season, but for each day He is the reason,
For a believer’s life and breath, since for us, He destroyed death,
And given the gift of eternal life, through that babe, who is Christ,
Now, no longer that babe in a stall, but, our Lord reigning over all.
It’s not Christmas but God above, who fills men with joy and love,
Joy that some men just ignore, knowing not what Christmas is for,
Not knowing the God of Eternity, they’ll look for gifts under a tree,
They don’t need another Christmas, but instead need Christ Jesus.
Too Late For Merry Christmas?
Is it too late for Merry Christmas, too late for the greatest of Gifts?
Is God’s greatest offer limited to, a holiday known to me and you?
Some have Christmas in July, the reason for it, do you know why?
Is Christmas a day Christ was born, a day today, many just scorn?
Can’t we celebrate all year long, Christ with hearts filled with song?
Christmas for obvious reason, comes around for only one season,
And our Christmas as the holiday, with the tree, gets packed away,
But Christ throughout all the year, through His Spirit is always here.
Christmas is just a reminder for, a world trying to dismiss our Lord,
Where many don’t know who He is, while they relish receiving gifts,
When Christmas is over for them, we go on with Christ, as a friend,
Who is with us all year through, to offer God’s Gift to men like you.
So this day and all year through, this happy greeting I’ll say to you,
Merry Christmas and I’m not late, giving you words to contemplate.
Not too late to share with one, greetings in the name of God’s Son,
Who came not to make a holiday, but be for all God’s Narrow Way.
It’s never too late at all for me, to greet you in the power of Calvary,
Where Christmas was truly sealed; and all become spiritually healed,
Point Christmas to Calvary’s Cross; God’s Gift to the spiritually lost,
Away from all Christmas has become, and back to God’s Only Son.
(Copyright ©01/2008)
Beautiful Christmas
Let's Go!
Big Time!
Merry Christmas everybody..
Put down video games
Pick up some candy canes
And hang a wreath on your door
Give back to those in need
Bring peace and harmony
Cause that's what Christmas is for
And this Christmas, this Christmas
We'll celebrate a wonderful year
ooh this Christmas, this Christmas
We'll decorate the halls with love and cheer
We can make a beautiful Christmas
We can make the world shine bright
As long as friends and family are with us
Every star will shine tonight
We can make it beautiful this Christmas
We can make it beautiful this Christmas
We can make it beautiful this Christmas
We can make a beautiful Christmas
Let's party in the snow under the mistletoe
Girl I've been waiting all year
Rudolph can take a break
Frosty can melt away
As long as I got you here
Ooh this Christmas, this Christmas
We'll celebrate a wonderful year
ooh this Christmas, this Christmas
We'll decorate the halls with love and cheer
We can make a beautiful Christmas
We can make the world shine bright
As long as friends and family are with us
Every star will shine tonight
We can make it beautiful this Christmas
We can make it beautiful this Christmas
We can make it beautiful this Christmas
We can make a beautiful Christmas
Happy Holiday
Spread the love on Christmas Day
Singin' Happy Holiday
We can make a beautiful Christmas
Happy Holiday
Spread the love on Christmas Day
Singin' Happy Holiday
We can make a beautiful Christmas
So Beautiful!
We can make a beautiful Christmas
We can make the world shine bright (we can make it yea)
As long as friends and family are with us (friends and family)
Every star will shine tonight (shinin' tonight)
We can make it beautiful this Christmas (beautiful christmas)
We can make it beautiful this Christmas (so beautiful no no)
We can make it beautiful this Christmas
We can make a beautiful Christmas
We can make a beautiful Christmas
We can make a beautiful Christmas
Happy Holiday
Spread the love on Christmas Day
Singin' Happy Holiday
We can make a beautiful Christmas
poem by Jojo Jonna
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whats Christmas
Christmas isn’t about toys
Christmas isn’t about money
Christmas is about giving food to the needy
Christmas is about loving your family
Christmas is to get time to spend with your family
What’s Christmas
Christmas is about the holiday
Christmas is about loving what you get
Christmas isn’t about sending cards
Christmas is about love
poem by Jeffery McNutt
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First of all, the Jewish religion has a great deal in common with the Christian religion because, as Rabbi Gillman points out in the show, Christianity is based on Judaism. Christ was Jewish.
quote by Barbara Walters
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Christmas Belief
the christmas holidays are finally here.
something i look forward to every year.
where people greet each other in a friendly way
and always have nice things to say.
christmas is supposed to be a holiday of joy and cheer.
why can't we have that feeling throughout The year.
why can't christmas be in our hearts every day
it would take away the sadness and the pain.
christmas is the day to celebrate the birth of our king
it is the time that throughout the world all church bells ring.
and the voices of people who now sing.
what will it take for this world to see
that christ died for you and me.
he did not celebrate the gift that god gave just one day in his life.
he celebrated it every day and showed
this to humanity in every way.
he gave sight to the blind who could not see
so that they could praise god for all they have and
all the gifts that come with sight
and in this they felt his might.
the crippled he let them walk
the sick he cured
the deaf to hear
now would'nt that give you reason to cheer.
praise the lord up above
for he showed us how to love.
christmas is not just a day for giving
it is a day for living.
for thanking god- who gave up his only begotten son
to show us he is the only one -to lead us out of all pain.
and with him we have so much to gain.
so whether you believe in christ, alla or any other given name
our god is still the same.
that is why we praise his name.
to show others that there is a belief beyond our control
a belief we learn to hold.
this is what christmas is to me
this is what the world should see.
BELIEVE!
poem by Louis Rams
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Merry Christmas, Darling
Greeting cards have all been sent
The christmas rush is through
But I still have one wish to make
A special one for you
Merry christmas, darling
Were apart, thats true
But I can dream
And in my dreams
Im christmasing with you
Holidays are joyful
Theres always something new
But every days a holiday
When Im near to you
The lights on my tree
I wish you could see
I wish it every day
The logs on the fire
Fill me with desire
To see you and to say
That I wish you merry christmas
Happy new year too
Ive just one wish
On this christmas eve
I wish I were with you
I wish I were with you
Merry christmas, darling
song performed by by Carpenters
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Christmas, Is It? ? ?
Those fruits, nuts, and other foods for the holiday
Symbols of hypocrisy, showiness of false affluence
A display of false belief for a new year’s abundance
A charade of false pretenses disguising generosity
Why bother? For all those mess when you can do…
…the true Christian and the true essence of Christmas
Christmas is not what you have to show you got
But to share willingly to those materially challenge
Oh Christmas! it comes and go in many fashions
In many ways, interpretations and realizations
But lo! Its real essence have been neglected
What is it then? Well Christmas is for you
It is for you alone and to find its real meaning
Relative as it maybe but try to look around you
Hear that voice talking to you telling you its essence
Christmas sometimes so quaint and outmoded
But give thanks by praying of what you have now
You’re feeling great- a euphoria from perfect health
Beside you your special person with his/her gift
Everyday that makes you happy and welcomes another
Oh yes family makes your Christmas meaningful
They are the true essence and constituent of it
With the snow and coldness of this holiday season
It’s only a close family ties and LOVE makes christmas warm
(010109)
poem by Edwin Alba Empestan
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The Jews are the most tenacious people in history. Hebron is there to prove it. It ties 20 miles south of Jerusalem, 3,000 feet up in the Judaean hills. There, in the Cave of Machpelah, are the Tombs of the Patriarchs. According to ancient tradition, one sepulcher, itself of great antiquity, contains the mortal remains of Abraham, founder of the Jewish religion and ancestor of the Jewish race. Paired with his tomb is that of his wife Sarah. Within the building are the twin tombs of his son Isaac and his wife Rebecca. Across the inner courtyard is another pair of tombs, of Abraham's grandson Jacob and his wife Leah. Just outside the building is the tomb of their son Joseph. This is where the 4,000-year history of the Jews, in so far as it can be anchored in time and place, began.
Paul Johnson in A History of the Jews, Chapter One: Israelites (1987)
Submitted by Dan Costinaş
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Christmas Wishes (written with Chloe Labrie)
For Christmas wishes, I only have one.
I don't want a vacation under the sun.
I don't want the presents under the tree,
I only want you to be with me.
The snow is falling lightly,
And Christmas is coming near,
But I don't want the presents that I may receive.
What would fill my heart with cheer,
Is you just being here.
When our love is matched with Christmas spirit,
There is just no way to cure it.
I don't need any twinkling Christmas lights,
Just you alone makes my holidays bright.
When you come around,
You'll have to keep my feet on the ground.
To make my perfect holiday,
I don't want you to stay away.
Please grant my Christmas wish,
Because you're the only thing on my Christmas list.
poem by Melanie Gardiner
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Happy Holiday / White Christmas
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
Why the merry bells keep ringing
May your every wish come true
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
May the calender keep bringing
Happy holiday to you
I'm dreaming of a white christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I'm dreaming of a white christmas
With every christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your christmases be white
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
Why the merry bells keep ringing
May your every wish come true
Happy Holiday
Happy Holiday
May the calender keep bringing
The most happy holiday to you
song performed by by Barry Manilow
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Merry Christmas Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas Happy Holidays
merry christmas(3) happy holidays
We've been waiting all year for this night
when the snow is glistening on the trees outside
and all the stockings are hung by the fire side
waiting for Santa to arrive and all the love will show
cause everybody knows it's Christmas time and all the kids will see
gifts under the tree it's the best time of year for the family
Chorus
It's a wonderful feeling, feel the love in the room
from the floor to the ceiling
it's that time of year
Christmas time is here
and with the blessings from above
God sends you his love and everything's ok
Merry Christmas Happy holidays
Merry Christmas (2) Happy Holidays
Bells are ringing it's time to scream and shout (scream and shout)
and everybody's playing cause school's out
celebrating the special times we share happiness cause love is in the
air
and all the love will show cause everybody knows it's Christmas time
and all the kids will see the gifts under the tree it's the best time
of year
for the family
repeat Chorus
Merry Christmas (2) Happy Holidays (2 times)
No matter what your holiday it's a time to celebrate
put your worries aside and open up your mind see
the world right by your side it's Christmas time
Merry Christmas(3) Happy Holidays(2 times)
*repeat chorus*
Merry Christmas(2) Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas(3) Happy Holidays(2 times
song performed by by N Sync
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Usurper Antiochus IV Defiled First Temple In Jerusalem
Antiochus attacked defiled First Temple in Jerusalem
sacrificed a pig on holy altar erected a statue of Zeus
as himself in the temple raided sacred Temple treasury...
minted his 'Theos Epiphanes' God manifest coins
at Antioch silver tetradrachm of Antiochus IV struck
'Basileus Antiochus God Manifest Bearer of Victory'
'Basileus Antiochus translates 'The king made manifest'
'made manifest' implies the deification of Antiochus
face shown with radiate crown indicating aura of divinity...
Antiochus IV the 'little horn' of Daniel 8: 9? Banned
the traditional religion of the entire Jewish people?
Outlawed all sacred Jewish religious rites traditions?
Observant Jews were ordered to worship Olympian Zeus
as supreme god forbidden from keeping sacred Sabbath?
Forbidden from celebrating traditional feasts forbidden...
from admitting to be a Jew? Decree issued ordered Jews
to adopt Greek customs partake of Greek sacrifices
to put to death all Jews who would not publically consent?
Antiochus raging like a wild animal took Jerusalem
by storm 'ordered his soldiers to cut down without
mercy those whom they met and to slay those who took
refuge in their houses. There was a massacre of young
and old, a killing of women and children, a slaughter
of virgins and infants. In the space of three days, eighty
thousand were lost, forty thousand meeting a violent
death, and the same number being sold into slavery.'
Antiochus IV antichrist archetype prefigure antichrist!
2 Maccabees 5: 11-14.
Two Jewish women arrested for having circumcised sons
on prescribed eight day 'were publicly paraded about the city
with their babies hanging at their breasts then thrown down
from the top of the city wall'? Jews who assembled
in nearby caves to observe the sabbath in secret
were betrayed' all burned to death to enforce decree.
2 Maccabees 6: 1-11
Antiochus 'The Mad One' the first vile Seleucid
king to use divine epithets on his minted coins
to proclaim himself divinity god made manifest
forced Jews to abandon customs of their ancestors
at pain of death to live no longer by the laws of God
Antiochus was struck down by disease in 164 BC...
poem by Terence George Craddock
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More Than Just A Birth
Christmas.
More than just a birth.
More than the celebration,
The food and the presents
Deeper than acts of giving.
More than a day of rest,
A time with the family.
More than a mass or service,
For annual religious favours.
More than just a birth
The birthday of the Son of God,
Christmas has another reason:
The beginning of a revelation
Once long lost to man,
A revelation who breathes
Who laughs and cries,
Who man can see and hear
With his very own eyes and ears.
A revelation who is alive,
There for friendships and strive
Who listens and speaks
Grieves and rebukes.
A woman's next door neighbour
Another man's childhood friend
A stranger's guest of honour,
A revelation who lives in our midst
Changing lives with each encounter.
Christmas.
A day of remembrance,
Remembering the Friend of man
Who befriended and walked
Among Jews and Romans
Down the streets of Jerusalem.
Remembering the bread and wine
Who longs and loves
Flowing freely like His blood.
Remembering a revelation:
Of a God more real than ever;
On the day His Son was born
Breathing the air of the manger.
poem by Wilson Khor Woo Han
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Name this Teddy Bear
In the centre of the window at your local Kidz-r-Uz,
all winking fairy lights, glitter, sparkle and buy-me,
sits a bear. A Teddy Bear.
He’s the soul of Patience
in any and all religions – one paw held out
to take you by the hand – that’s, should you ask –
he’s Faith, Hope, and Love:
he’s Faith itself; he’s beyond our grown-up limits,
he’s Faith like children know – real Faith;
Faith that’s beyond the breaking faith;
he’s every hope that Christmas promises,
or Chanukah, or any other winter feast
when parents give their children tokens of their love…
he asks nothing of you, but to receive your love,
unconditionally.. a cuddly mirror of your love
in which you’ll see and know that love;
to show you Love itself unblemished..
unlike all else in this changing world
inhabited by changeable human beings,
he wouldn’t know how to let you down;
deny your faith; destroy your hope; reject your love;
he’ll be a part of your life, for life;
and rightly so. Look closely at him:
is he the one for you?
He will be your first taste of life’s nobility;
almost, you could say, divine;
he will sit for you as your steady self
in the temple of your heart;
give him the name that honours
honour itself – give him the Name
that this world means to you; a name
that none can take from him;
honour him as that.
poem by Michael Shepherd
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What'll We Do For Christmas?
What'll we do for Christmas? A child said to her Mother,
Shall we have a christmas party, cake and ice cream too;
With lots of balloons and streamers, and a star as well,
But; the mother said, give to an orphan, a Christmas bell,
Then tell them to come for tea, tell them the Christmas story;
This is what God wants us to do, to share with our family
What'll we do for Christmas, said a boy to His father,
Can we have a holiday, and take our things I'd rather;
Buy some good things to eat, and help my grandmother,
But the father said lets invite, a poor man or lady to tea,
Shower them with kindness, as we have plenty;
This is what God wants us to do, show love from you and me.
What'll we do for Christmas said children to their teacher,
Shall we have a Christmas concert, and ask the preacher;
And invite our family, and all our friends as well too,
The teacher said 'twas a great idea, the Christmas story true;
About Mary and Joseph, and Jesus born in a stable,
But remember the story is so true, it isn't just a fable.
poem by Margaret Haig
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