An Encounter with the Shamash on the Third Day of Hanukkah
🏠 Sister Irene | BBPN Beit Simcha | December 23, 2025
On the third day of Hanukkah, Tuesday, December 16th, we hosted L and S and decided to celebrate the occasion together. Pastor Jamie suggested lighting candles to represent the hanukkiah and sharing deep-fried treats to remember the miracle of the oil.
While I searched unsuccessfully for donuts at a bakery, Pastor Jamie’s father, David, bought white tea candles, and Pastor Jamie found one final red candle at home. That evening, as we welcomed our guests, L appeared warm and open, while S seemed more reserved. However, when Pastor Jamie shared her journey as a cancer survivor, S was deeply moved. Pastor Jamie encouraged them with Scripture and sang Bible songs in Hebrew she had written, which S later asked to share with her family.
After one bite, our guests exclaimed that it was the best dessert they had tried in Taiwan, their delight lighting up the table.
At Pastor Jamie’s home, the girls’ eyes lit up again when they saw the makeshift Hanukkiah: eight white candles and one red Shamash. We gathered reverently, lighting the candles in order, and placed them by the window as is tradition. Pastor Jamie explained that the Shamash represents Yeshua—the Servant and the Light of the world.
The girls then sang traditional Hanukkah songs from home. Though I didn’t understand the words, the moment felt sacred and full of warmth. Pastor Jamie later shared that the final line meant, “When we are gathered together, the light shines even brighter.”
Before the evening ended, Pastor Jamie released The Voice of Burning Bush—prophetic blessings spoken over our guests. Both girls were deeply encouraged, especially S, who marvelled at how accurate the words were.
As they prepared for an early flight the next morning, we shared small gifts and treats. Though our guests insisted they had received too much, we were reminded once again that the Lord knows exactly what each person needs.
On the way to the MRT station, S kept repeating, “I can’t believe we are leaving Taiwan.” While waiting on the platform, I shared the story of the woman with the issue of blood. When I told them how Yeshua said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you,” their eyes lit up once more.
It was the third night of Hanukkah—and light, indeed, filled the evening.
