Hello, ,

Hanukkah is just around the corner!

This season, I want to invite you to discover the beauty of Hanukkah—even if you’ve never celebrated it before. And this year I am adding a new element. But first, let's review the Word about this event.
 

"At this time the Feast of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon." John 10: 22

The Feast of Dedication was the celebrated feast we know as Hanukkah.

It was a time of dedication and remembrance of the miracles God bestowed on the Israelites, especially those who were true to their beliefs. You can read more about this celebration in our FREE course - Celebrating Jesus in the Holidays.
 

In John 8:12, Jesus was in the temple teaching, and this time He declared: "I am the Light of the world, he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."

 Hanukkah can be a powerful reminder for us as Christians of God’s faithfulness, the miracle of light, and the joy of gathering with loved ones around good food and meaningful gifts.

The Light of the world is still with us. We are called to be light to the world. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it. 

As I pondered how to celebrate Hanukkah, this year, I decided to make each day a day of prayer(praying for a specific person each day), light the candles and then give a gift to a different person each day.
 

I have started my gift-giving list with 8  dates from December 14th - Dec 21.

Then I listed possible gift ideas:

• Homemade chocolates
• Money
• Bread
• Dinner gift card
• Book - Seven Foods of the Promised Land
• Car rental gift card
• _________________
• ____________________

I am not done with the list of names, still praying for God to tell me exactly who to give to, and then praying for God to tell me the specific gift for that person.

So, this is partially planned, and the completion will be when God answers.

I have neighbors who I would love to bless with a loaf of bread and I have friends around the world who I would love to bless with a gift that only God knows they are seeking.

I am very excited to see how God answers these requests. And perhaps I may not know the result.

Yet, I am confident that He has a purpose during this blessed season.
 

This may sound the same as you consider your Christmas gifts this year. And it is similar. Yet, the difference may only be slight as a reminder of not only the birth of our Savior but also the saving grace for those who truly follow him.

And the Feast of Dedication is actually at this time of year - biblically!

What about you?

If this is new, here are a few notes to learn:

Why should Christians celebrate Hanukkah?

• It’s a celebration of God’s miracles and provision. The story of Hanukkah centers on God’s faithfulness to His people in times of darkness.
• It’s an opportunity to teach our families about biblical history—and to connect the Old and New Testaments in a tangible way.
• It’s a time for joyful traditions: lighting candles, sharing meals, and giving thoughtful gifts that bless others.

Let’s make this Hanukkah special with food and gifts!

• Gather your family for a meal inspired by Bible foods—think olive oil, fresh bread, and simple, nourishing dishes. Find Hanukkah-friendly recipes here.
• Share the light—give a gift that encourages faith or wellness. A favorite book, a homemade treat, or even a handwritten note can make a big impact.
• Light a candle each night and pray together, thanking God for His goodness and asking Him to shine His light in your home.

If you’re looking for inspiration, The Bible Diet Collection offers faith-based resources to help you celebrate biblical traditions with purpose, health, and joy.

Let’s honor God’s faithfulness this Hanukkah—through light, food, and the gift of togetherness.

If you are looking for a ministry to support, we would be honored to be considered. As we go forth into 2026, we are taking the message of God's recipe for excellent health to the churches. This year we will be traveling to Alabama, Maryland, Virginia and more places to help churches start their own Biblical Wellness Ministry. AND we are leading a Biblical Wellness Revival.  

As God leads - we have tremendous needs for this new ministry and all donations go to serving the churches. Designed Healthy Living INC is a 501c3 ministry set up for the purpose of sharing the Gospel through the invitation of food.

Is your church looking for biblical wellness to be taught? Would you like a Reclaim Retreat in your home church? Contact us.

Blessings to you and your family,

Annette Reeder

Standing in the fields of Bethlehem!

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