Almost Winter

As social media erupts once again with the debates and dogma regarding Hanukkah, I found myself searching Scripture.  I'm not really too interested in the debates as I see a real "spirit" of Constantine pervading the movement to return to Torah truth.  There are some "teachers" who continue to bring division in their exalted understanding . . . It's hard enough for folks to come out of all the traditions of Judaism and Christianity, only to find the nitpicker debates . . . I, personally, think those are the worst!

So far, the annual debate and "greater revelation" of Jeremiah 10:3,4 began surfacing shortly after Halloween.  Halloween is getting to be a "safe" social media "anti-observe" holiday.  Seems a great number of Christians are realizing the implications, as well as most of the HRM, Messianics, and Torah Observant believers.  Most of us can agree on that one day we "don't do!"  Even much of our secular society realizes there is just too much risk and potential danger associated with Halloween, to even think it's just harmless fun.  Too many times, it's proven to not be harmless and far from fun!  I do find it interesting, though, that so many complain about Christmas decorations up in stores around Halloween, and I tend to feel the same disdain about the debates beginning so early.  Many folks are moving away from the traditions of Christmas, as well, in search of well, something more meaningful . . . and perhaps even mentioned in Scripture!  Which is where the newest, latest debate comes in.  Hanukkah, historical truth or pagan tradition?

Last year was the first year I remember receiving warnings on social media about celebrating  Hanukkah.  I'll be honest, though, I was deeply troubled by the brazen mockery in 2011, of someone who decided to crash my Hanukkah traditions, which led to some serious personal introspection.  How much of "my" Hanukkah celebration was truth and how much was simply tradition?   Very little research was needed to realize Hanukkah in America is basically a Christmas knock-off, and not celebrated the same in any other country, so . . . I knew 2011 would be the last year of gifts and not really sure how I would explain that to grandchildren.  I also wasn't sure what else would fall away.  As it turns out, their parents made it very easy, as I was basically an outcast by the end of 2012.  It wasn't easy to deal with how that problem was solved, but it was obviously solved!  So much was resolved in a relatively short time.

So, here's the short list according to history.  Truth:  Antiochus did erect a statue of Zeus in the Temple and sacrificed a pig on the altar, desecrating it completely.  Truth:  The Maccabees did stand against Antiochus and ultimately prevailed. Truth:  The Temple was restored and dedicated.Truth:  Feast of Dedication is found in John 10:22, and Messiah revealed himself as Messiah through that time on Solomon's Colonnade.

Tradition:  Latkes.  Tradition:  Fried food for 8 days.  Tradition:  only in America are gifts given.  Tradition:  Playing dreydl every night and gelt.  Tradition:  Candle lighting

Now, as for the traditions . . . gifts have gone by the wayside, and I can only stand about 2 or 3 days of latkes, then I'm completely done frying . . .  As for candle lighting, I do use an Hanakiah rather than the official style menorah, because it is not a commanded Holy Day.  The temple was restored and rededicated, and it does not seem inappropriate to do the same with myself, since my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. . . another reason to nix a week of fried food.  As for playing dreydl, when I have guests, it's a fun little parlor game.

Meanwhile, it gets rather tempting to just become a recluse until January, and all the holiday mayhem is over.  Clearly, it won't be resolved, but over and done is nice.  When all this clears and the January 2016 calendar is placed on the kitchen wall, that means only 45 days til the garden can be started!

Tis the Season

There is just so much to learn about the significance of the seasons, according to our Creator's calendar.  Granted, even those of us who are claiming to follow it, can't seem to agree on some specifics, but the general laws of nature are consistent.  As is the tradition, the debates rage across social media.  I keep the concealed moon calendar which I believe aligns with 119 Ministries.  That's not the point of this particular post today, however.  This week I've noticed how much I organize the place around the High Holy Days and have given some serious contemplation to the days when the people of YHWH actually gathered in Jerusalem around the Temple.

This year I observed Shemitah, so there was not garden, but in the other six years the harvest is complete in time for Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles.)  The winter supply is preserved and stored and the last of the fresh fruits and veggies make for minimal labor meals through the week of Sukkot.  Also to consider the gathering, there is a great opportunity to work together and share both in the labor and the accomplished results.  We are getting just a taste of what life will be like in the Kingdom.  Since my house is divided, I'm not planning to host a formal Sukkot gathering, but spiritual family is always welcome.  I have been blessed to host a few Sukkot gatherings and of course, I have developed some "traditional" dishes for the occasion.  I know I've mentioned before, this is not doctrine; but my definition of the difference between a regular meal and a feast is extra side dishes and dessert.  Moussaka has been a personal favorite entree for Sukkot for many years now, as it includes most of the last of the veggie harvest and pumpkin spice cake is the dessert.

Another factor I've considered in this timing, is the breeding season of the flocks and herds.  In the spring the milk and eggs are in abundance and the milk is delicious, so there are many milk and egg based dishes through the spring Holy Days.  By fall, the hens have slacked off and the buck scent is heavy, very heavy.  For those of us living off the land, the dishes for the autumn Holy Days are best designed to avoid milk and use minimal eggs.  I think of the ancient Israelites and the many Scriptural references to them as shepherds.  I can only imagine the throngs of people, as well as the seemingly countless animals that would surround Jerusalem in the autumn.  Knowing the way this place smells right now and will for about a month, I'm sure the musky scent of bucks and rams surrounded the city for miles.

I'm looking forward to Sukkot and awakening eye to eye with the herd.  This is only a theory, but having several herds come together through breeding season may have also kept the bloodlines from becoming too inbred while the flocks and herds increased.  Of course, obedience is the primary reason for observing these feasts, and convenience is not the issue; but it is awesome to note the natural timing of these set apart days.  I don't have a full understanding of the details of Messiah's millennial reign, but I do know the Holy Days are part of the plan.

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, YHWH of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.  Zechariah 14:16