Is your flame burning low? Do you long to joyfully celebrate the holidays, but find the fire that normally glows in your heart as they approach is a dimly flickering, sputtering spark gasping for air? You are not alone. It has been a tough year for many.
 
Our family is becoming more familiar with the celebration of Chanukah also named the Festival of Lights. I did not celebrate it as a child or young adult. Now, as God draws us closer to Himself and His special appointed times, it is something I look forward to. It reminds me that He keeps my lamp burning, even when I am out of oil.
 
Chanukah begins at sundown tomorrow evening. It commemorates the valiant war of the Maccabees against the tyranny of their oppressors who killed hundreds of their people, sought to destroy their beliefs and desecrated their most holy place of worship. They were outnumbered yet prevailed by God's mighty hand. When the smoke cleared and they stood amidst the rubble that used to be God's house, they found there was only enough consecrated oil to light the lamp for one night. It would take eight days to make a fresh supply. By faith and facing unbelievable atrocities, this ragtag group cried out to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and begged Him to come to their rescue with a second miracle. He heard and sent fresh strength. The oil lasted for eight days.
 
How is your lamp today? Are you out of juice? Exhausted? Is the passion you once had for Him almost snuffed out? Don't despair, friend. He will provide fresh oil for your spent spirit. The posts in the next few days will reflect on the account of the Maccabees and will hopefully bring you a fresh supply of oil so you can rededicate yourself to the One True Light.
 
^{Psalm 119:105} Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path. (NKJV)