To most Israelis, Christmas is nothing more than a Western holiday. Few even realize that Chag HaMolad (‘the Feast of the Birth’ in Hebrew) celebrates the birth of their Jewish Messiah, born in Israel, to fulfill promises made to His people. They do, however, observe Hanukkah and the miracle of light, not knowing the prophecy that lies within.
Israelis love Hanukkah and most celebrate it without realizing its connection to Yeshua. They light menorahs, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods, all the while unknowing that Hanukkah’s message of dedication, purity, and miracle points directly to Yeshua, who said:
“I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life”
John 8:12
These two celebrations share a core truth: Light has come, darkness doesn’t win, and God keeps His promises through Yeshua, Israel’s Messiah. Christmas reveals the Light’s arrival, while Hanukkah celebrates the Light’s victory. Both find fulfillment in Yeshua, the heart of God’s redemption story.
A Season of Hope
This December, we have the privilege of shining a light in Jerusalem, sharing the love of Yeshua with those who’ve never experienced it. What a perfect time to fulfill Yeshua’s call to “let our lights shine” by bringing hope to those seeking it! It is in this season, filled with light and longing, that the Gospel shines forth to reach even most guarded of hearts.
We are preparing a special Christmas and Hanukkah outreach in Jerusalem for 400 Israelis — many of them new immigrants and secular families who may know almost nothing about Yeshua, but who are hungry for meaning, stability, and hope.
Jerusalem is where Yeshua taught, healed, wept, suffered, died, and rose again. It is the city where the prophets spoke and where God revealed His heart for His people. To proclaim the Gospel here during Hanukkah and Chag HaMolad (Christmas) is no coincidence. It is prophetic. It is a declaration that the Light born in Bethlehem, revealed in Jerusalem, and poured out on Israel, is still shining today.
A Place to Encounter Yeshua
This event is not a lecture or holiday performance. It is a warm, safe, joy-filled place to encounter the presence and love of Yeshua. Through worship, the Gospel, testimonies, and heart-to-heart conversation, Israelis will see:
- Yeshua is the center of Chag HaMolad (Christmas), not Western tradition
- Chag HaMolad is the celebration of Israel’s own King and Messiah
- Hanukkah points prophetically to Yeshua as the Light, the Miracle, and the Cleansing of the Temple
- The Spirit of God is still moving in Israel, drawing people to Himself
Our hope is that many will hear the Gospel in a way they never have and come face to face with the One who gives life and freedom.
Let Your Light Shine
To make this mission possible, we must cover transportation, meals, the venue, and a tour to Biblical sites. The cost for one Israeli to participate is $70.
- $70 → one Israeli hears the Gospel
- $140 → two Israelis
- $700 → ten Israelis
- $2,800 → a full bus of forty people
Every sponsorship is a chance for someone to encounter the truth of who Yeshua is — the Messiah of Israel, the Light of the World, the fulfillment of every promise. It is also your chance to fulfill the charge given by Yeshua to all His followers in Matthew:
“You are the light of the world…. let your light shine!”
Matthew 5:14-16
Honoring His Birth and Name
We invite you to join VOJI in bringing the light of the King to Jerusalem, a place very near and dear to His heart. Together, we can bring the message of Yeshua — the Light of Hanukkah, the center of Chag HaMolad (Christmas), the Messiah of Israel — to 400 Israelis who need to hear it. This is more than just sharing the Gospel; it is shining a light so brightly that blind eyes will open to see!
Give your best gift today that honors the gift given to you in that lowly stable over two thousand years ago! There is no better way to thank the Lord who has given us life than to share His light!
Thank you for helping us lift high the name of Yeshua in Jerusalem — the city of the Great King!