The Origin of Hanukkah

I love the Christmas Holiday season. I like the bright lights, the smell of evergreens and the faces of happy children. Sometimes I forget that there are other celebrations that happen around this same time of year. Those being: Bodhi Day (Buddha’s Enlightenment), the Muslim fast of Ashura, the new African American Kwanzaa celebration, and most particularly Hanukkah.
Hanukkah used to be a minor secular Jewish celebration, but thanks to the commercial nature of Christmas, it now has become a prominent Jewish Holiday.
The story behind Hanukkah goes back well over two millennia to the third century BC.
In 334 BC, Alexander defeated the Persian Armies of Darius III and the Persian Empire ceased to exist. Everything that belonged to Darius now belonged to Alexander, including the Jews.
According to Max I. Dimont’s book “Jews, God and History.
For some unexplained reason, the hot-tempered Jews did not fight Alexander… The High Priest of Jerusalem headed a formal procession to welcome Alexander. The Macedonian king took an instant liking to these “fierce barbarians” who, to his great astonishment, carried no visible gods with them. He granted them internal political and religious freedom, an act that made him the “patron saint” of the Jews.
The Jews loved everything Greek. They adopted the language, the culture and with the exception of the religion, tried to become more Greek than the Greeks themselves.
Unfortunately, things do have a way of changing. Alexander died and if there is one thing that the old Greeks liked to do, it was fight. If the Greeks couldn’t fight other people, they’d fight each other. His three generals split the empire. Antigonus grabbed Greece, Seleucus took Asia Minor and Syria and Ptolemy grabbed Egypt and what used to be Judea.
For 125 years the Seleucids and Ptolemys fought over the control of the Jews land and finally the Seleucid king Antiochus III, succeeded in wresting Israel/Judea away from the Ptolemys.
Antiochus III died and his son Antiochus Epiphanies took the throne. Young Antiochus had big plans. He dreamed of becoming another Alexander, and the first thing he wanted to do was make the Jews even more Greek. He, with the help of Hellenic Jews, appointed a High Priest named Jason, who decided it was a good time to change some of their religious practices. Jason brought Greek statues into the Temple, had his priests wear Grecian robes and perform Greek cultic rites. According to Dimont’s book: Greek games performed by naked Jewish boys became a common spectacle in the temple courtyards. This did not sit well with the majority of the Jewish people and they revolted. They called themselves the Hasideans.
The first Hasidean revolt was quickly put down, but Antiochus overreacted. He senselessly slaughtered 10,000 residents (including Jews friendly to his cause). He installed new statues of Greek Gods in the Temple. He slaughtered pigs in the temple and permeated the Holy of Holies with their blood.
Mattathias, an old rural Jewish priest, set off a second rebellion in the small town of Modiin. A Greek official tried to get him to perform a pagan sacrifice. The old man refused and killed the official. People rallied around Mattathias and this lit the spark for a second rebellion.
Antiochus immediately tried to put this rebellion down, but instead of succeeding saw his armies totally destroyed. Mattathias and his five sons became known as the Maccabees (Hebrew for Hammer) because of the hammer like gorilla tactics that they used against the Greek armies.
In 164 BC, the army of the Maccabees recaptured Jerusalem. The temple was cleansed and rededicated back to God. In order to purify the temple, the priests needed to burn ritual oil for eight days. They discovered that they only had a single days supply of oil, they lit the oil and it miraculously lasted for all 8 days.
Today, during Hanukkah Jews light one candle each night for 8 nights on a special Menorah. They celebrate by giving gifts, eating fried foods, singing songs and playing games.
I love the holiday season. It is a bright time of joy and a time of celebration.
Both Jews and Christians have things bright and cheerful, to share this time of year.
Wishing everyone, a very, very happy holiday season.

How does Santa get down the chimney?

For parents of today’s smart little kids, it’s a vexing problem to explain how Santa can get himself (and their toys) down the chimney.
It’s a little easier to explain his flight path, but the chimney problem is a practical matter. How can he land on the roof, scramble down the chimney, stuff stockings and leave toys, all in a flash of time?
Maybe he’s just a show-off. What else could you expect from a guy who can fly around the world and make his deliveries in just one night.
Some modern thinkers claim he has discovered the secrets of miniaturization. But kids find it hard to understand how he can make himself really small. Scientists at the North Pole are working on the technology so it could be easier next year.
If there’s no chimney, Santa could walk right in the front door, but then there’s the problem of getting down from the roof and back up there again.
Fortunately, the rules of Christmas Eve dictate that kids have to be asleep when Santa comes. If their parents are finished putting toys together, they will be asleep too. So no one will ever know for sure how he does it.
One thing is certain, he deserves his milk and cookies. So be sure to put them out, and don’t forget to leave him carrots for his reindeer. Santa and Rudolph will appreciate that.
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Add a tradition that will enRich your holidays!

Help your children enjoy the benefits of charitable giving at an early age.
Parents sometimes have the feeling that Christmas has become little more than an attempt to fulfill the expectations of their children.
It can be more. Done correctly, adding the idea of helping others during the holidays can bring them joy right now. It can create a holiday tradition that will enrich the season for the rest of their lives.
You can start early by explaining to small children that some people may not have Christmas dinner without help from the bell-ringing Santas. Kids will love putting a few coins into the kettle.
Those who believe in Santa Claus may wonder why there are so many Santas and why they don’t leave toys for every child. Explain that Santa needs help. The children will be thrilled with the idea of picking out a toy that Santa could give to a poor child.
It’s easy for parents to feel they are a little poor themselves this year. Still, a gift doesn’t have to be expensive, and the joy of choosing one could be something a child looks forward to each year in the future. Choosing a gift should be fun and an expression of love.
A story about why other kids may not get much for Christmas could be in order. Tell your children about recent floods or hurricanes that destroyed other kids’ parents’ homes and belongings. Don’t make the story too frightening.
Older kids would enjoy helping you select the cause you choose to support this year. Make the choices interesting and encourage them to give part of their cash Christmas gifts to help others. Teens would enjoy going with you to help serve a free dinner at the church or soup kitchen. Inviting teen nieces, nephews or pals to join you is a plus.

Visit Bethlehem…in Kelso

Have you ever longed to visit the birthplace of Jesus? To walk through the ancient city of Bethlehem? To visit the shepherds on the hills? For many of us that is an impossible dream, not only because of the cost, but also because of the conflict between Jew and Palestinian today.
Journey to Bethlehem has been telling the story of Jesus’ birth for over a decade now through a unique outdoor personal experience. You’ll journey back in time and make the journey with your family’s guide to the little town of Bethlehem.”

You’ll see the sights, hear the sounds, and smell the aromas of this bustling town. You’ll not only hear the story but be part of it.
We encourage you to dress warm, come early, be prepared for a wait indoors where you can hear some music from our local area to help get you in the Christmas spirit.
The Journey begins Thursday, December 8 and continues each evening through Sunday, December 11. Times are Thursday & Friday, 6-9pm and Saturday & Sunday, 5-9pm; and the doors to our indoor seating open an hour before the start times.
This event takes place on the campus of the Kelso-Longview Community Seventh-day Adventist Church the second weekend of December every year.
To help preserve the ancient atmosphere, no flash photography is allowed.
Though the journey is relatively short, it is well worth the wait. You can feel the oppression of this time period in which the Christ Child was born. Over 150 people in period costume create an authentic feel to the city. You actually feel like you have been transported back in time!!
You can see the poverty of the beggars and lepers and hear the story of the promised Messiah to come.
Sights and smells of an ancient time literally transport you back in time.
Experience the shop keepers pressure “sales” of their various goods and wares. Gizmo, our favorite camel, is always a hit. Yes, this is a live camel in the northwest!
You “pay” your taxes to the pompous tax collector, Abner, and join the shepherds as they hear the angel’s announcement and run to see the Christ child. Finally, you ponder the true meaning of Christmas as you gaze on the Holy Child.
The Kelso-Longview Seventh-Day Adventist Church is located along Westside Hwy, just prior to entering Lexington from the Longview side.
Picture is some of the ‘townspeople’ of Bethlehem, just one of the many you will experience along the journey. Photo courtesy of kelsoadventist.org

The history of the candy cane

The candy maker’s witness:
A long time ago, a candy maker wanted to make a something that would be a witness to his faith. He started with a stick of pure white candy. The color would symbolize the Virgin Birth, and the rock hard candy the foundation of the church and the firmness of God’s promises.
The candy maker formed it into a “J” to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as the Savior of all mankind.
The J also represents the staff of the Good Shepherd, with which He reaches down into the world to lift up his fallen lambs.
Then he colored the J with small red stripes to represent Jesus’ flowing blood before the crucifixion. One large red stripe was for His blood shed upon the cross so mankind would have the promise of eternal life.
As time passed, other candy makers made what has become known simply as the candy cane.
But it still bears witness to the wonder of God’s gift.

The reason…

It was a simple scene that first Christmas – a rough room, a young couple and nothing but a feeding trough to put the child in. It was probably quite cold and with family far away there was little help. Not exactly the Hallmark moment we like to show in Christmas pageants. And yet this rustic scene marked the greatest event in the history of mankind.
God’s Son became human and came to earth to save us. God had promised to send a Messiah, one who would save His people. He could have easily burst on the scene as a full grown man, a seven foot warrior with fiery eyes and arms of steel. This was what many people were looking for, but it wasn’t how God did it. He arrived in the arms of a young girl. He was, as another of our authors put it, “a very small package, wrapped in rags, given from the heart of God. The perfect gift.”
God gave His only Son to die in our place so that we, in all our brokenness, could know forgiveness. He came so that we could know what love feels like, real love – love that never leaves, love that never disappoints, love that is never betrayed. He sent His Son into a corrupted world to bring us hope.
How are you doing this Christmas?
Are you having a hard time finding hope in the world? Are you having a hard time finding peace? It doesn’t have to be that way. You can have peace and find hope and know forgiveness through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here’s a suggested prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Bring peace to my world this Christmas. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.
If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, pray it right now and Christ will come into your life as He promised. If you invited Jesus Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you and that you have eternal life.
Excerpted from www.thoughts-about-god.com

5th Annual Bird Walk & Social

Lake Sacajawea Bird Walk
Saturday, December 3rd
Join us for the 5th annual Lake Sacajawea Bird Walk and Social. Participants will meet at 8:30 AM, the morning of the walk. We will spend a couple hours walking the Lake observing winter waterfowl and other local birds. The group will then retreat to the warmth of the Green’s for some backyard birding, warm beverages, snacks, and cheery talk.
To sign up, or for more information, call or email John Green at
360-575-9238 or
jgreen2317@aol.com

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

A Russian couple was walking down the street in St. Petersburg the other night, when the man felt a drop hit his nose. “I think it’s raining,” he said to his wife.
“No, that felt more like snow to me,” she replied.
“No, I’m sure it was just rain,” he said.
Well, as these things go, they were about to have a major argument about whether it was raining or snowing. Just then they saw a minor communist party official walking toward them. “Let’s not fight about it,” the man said, “let’s ask Comrade Rudolph whether it’s officially raining or snowing.”
As the official approached, the man said, “Tell us, Comrade Rudolph, is it officially raining or snowing?”
“It’s raining, of course,” he answered and walked on.
But the woman insisted: “I know that felt like snow!” To which the man quietly replied: “Rudolph the Red knows rain, dear!”

City Christmas Tree Lightings/Parades/Festivals

Kelso’s “Santa’s Village” will be available on Saturdays, Dec. 3rd, 10th & 17th from 12pm – 4pm for kids to sit on Santa’s lap where he will take some Christmas orders, enjoy hot chocolate and some cookies, and get into the Holiday spirit with a decorated atmosphere! Located at the “Commons Park” on the corner of Oak and South Pacific. Suggested donation is one non-perishable food item for charity, but not required.

December 3rd: Parade Day Festival in Downtown Longview
Tons to do for the whole family in Downtown Longview on Parade Day! Starting at 12pm and lasting until right before the big Parade at 5pm, there will be: Santa’s Work Shop, Gingerbread Haus Contest, Gift Bazaars, Pedicab Rides, Live music, Window Display Contest, Scavenger Hunt through downtown, and of course delicious treats from local restaurants.
Bring the whole family, and visit:
longviewdowntowners.org

December 3th: Longview Civic Center Christmas Tree Lighting & “Home for the Holidays” Christmas Parade.
Parade coordinators, The Longview Downtowners and Arleen Hubble will usher in the holiday season with the Annual Holiday Lighting in the Civic Center Park on Saturday, December 3, immediately following the “Home for the Holidays” Christmas parade. The parade begins at 5:00 pm in Downtown Longview.
Entertainment in the Civic Center Park begins following the Christmas parade. Committee elves will be handing out free glow bracelets to children and Altrusa will provide refreshments like hot chocolate and cookies.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the countdown to light up the park. Children will be invited to sit on Santa’s lap for a little order placing and receive a candy cane.
Bundle up and bring the entire family to the “Home for the Holidays” parade and Civic Circle Holiday Lighting and join in the caroling and official countdown. This event is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit!
Many thanks to the contributions made by many businesses and individuals in our area for their generous donations that make this and every holiday season brighter and more festive for everyone in our community.

December 9th: Downtown Longview Holiday Open House
From 5pm – 9pm, Commerce Ave shops are staying open late and offering special incentives!
Many businesses will offer “tax-free” shopping; refreshments; special prize drawings & door prizes, as well as lots of free parking available. It will be a cheerful time with the Christmas lights and holiday bustling along the sidewalks of beautiful Downtown Longview. If you haven’t seen the new sculptures, now is a great time to bundle up and enjoy the Holiday Open House tour of Commerce Avenue!
So mark your calendars and come experience Downtown Longview this Christmas season!

December 1st – 31st:
Castle Rock Festival of Lights
Come celebrate a true Northwest Christmas and enjoy the second annual Castle Rock Festival of Lights. This month long celebration kicks off December 1st, when local business flip the switch and light up the night with Holiday Decorations.
Don’t miss your opportunity to vote for the best decorated business. Ballots will be accepted December 1st to the 23rd. Check with local businesses for commemorative Festival of Lights ornaments.
The main event will be held on December 13. Kids can get a free picture with Santa and some sweet treats. Come sample delicious, locally made cookies and grab a toasty cup of cocoa or coffee.
Be forewarned- Santa may be joined by his furry, big-footed friend – so be on the lookout!!
At 6:30 we will hold the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Cowlitz Street, next to the Post Office. Afterwards, sway to the music as we carol around Cowlitz Street.
The event is 100% volunteer powered, and was conceived to promote holiday shopping and the downtown businesses. The night is sure to be entertaining, en-LIGHT-ening, and exciting. Don’t miss out!
December 13th Schedule: 6:00pm- Christmas Music Downtown
6:30pm- Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by caroling (on Cowlitz Street next to the Post Office)
6:45- Free pictures with Santa:
Exhibit Hall- 147 Front Avenue

Free Community Christmas Dinner Castle Rock • Dec. 13th • Hattie’s Restaurant

Every year, the Castle Rock Community joins hands and comes together in a beautiful chorus of brotherhood to create a free Christmas Dinner. Hosted by Hattie’s Restaurant, call for details: 274-7019

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