Shalom all! Being that Chanukah is almost over and we’re headed into Christmas, I thought this would be an appropriate time to revisit and spiel a little about the One New Man. As some of you can tell, the subject of the ONM (One New Man) is my passion. Why? A few reasons. First and foremost, it was through Yeshua’s death that the two groups, Jewish and Gentile believers, became one. (Ephesians 2:15,16) And if it was important enough to God, to have His Son die on the Cross so that the wall between the two was abolished, then it should be important to us as well.

Secondly, did you know that we are the answer to a prayer Jesus prayed? Together we have a purpose and calling! Check out John 17:20-24. Thirdly, the reason why I am so passionate about the One New Man, is because after all these years, I finally know and understand who I am as a Jew and my identity within the ONM. Lastly, the Lord was faithful in blessing me with my husband who calls himself my Gentile, lol! And I love him dearly! I praise His Name for my ONM marriage!

With all that said, check out this picture that I took a few nights ago from our home:

When my husband and I turned the lights on for the first time, my heart was filled with so much gratitude. While one is a Christmas tree and the other a Hanukkiah, together they complement eachother and illuminate the light of Yeshua to the world. And of course, the beauty of the One New Man! In addition, I’m reminded of Israel’s light that never goes out, even in the midst of darkness. This is the miracle of Chanukah! And it’s because of God’s faithfulness, He has kept their light shining throughout many generations and will continue! Bless His Name!

I also feel so blessed as I see many Christians support Israel during this horrific time. They are rising up and taking a stand for Israel. Some have even displayed Hanukkia’s in their homes. What a beautiful time to shine for the Lord in the midst of so much darkness!

With that said, as the Body of Christ, it is vital that we continue to walk in the light as He is in the light. We are to be as one even as Jesus and the Father are one. This is the only way, as Jesus stated in John 17, that the world will see Him! It will be through the unity and love we have for one another! And so if we tear one another down, we nullify the prayer that He prayed. And these days, there is so much divisiveness within the church. And unfortunately, it’s happening in front of the whole world. These matters need to be addressed.

With that said, I would like to take this opportunity to share what I have observed and experienced first hand during this time of year and maybe some of you have experienced the same.

It’s usually this time of year, some people within the church who call themselves Torah followers (who are not Jewish), feel it is their job to pass judgment on Christians because they are not following the Torah. They also condemn them for their Christmas trees. One of the reasons they feel justified in condemning others about the tree is because of its roots in paganism. Now I know, there are some things that the church has practiced that have its roots in Paganism but this isn’t the time to get into that.

What I feel that the Lord wants me to express is this; love is a priority, over and above everything else! And without it, the Bible says we are nothing. His ways do not condemn us but convict us which brings us to repentance. And even when God corrects, it is done in love which makes us want to change.

So God cares more about our love walk vs you following the Torah which none of us were able to do because if we were able to, we wouldn’t need Yeshua! Am I saying we get rid of the Torah? Certainly not! Even Jesus said He didn’t come to abolish the Law or Torah, but fulfill it.

I would like to expound more on this subject soon because I know there is alot of confusion concerning this topic. It is our duty as believers to study the Word for ourselves..rightly dividing the word, and not just rely upon the preacher! And these days people are putting their ears to those who say they speak the “truth” but really move in a religious spirit and a spirit of error. These are those who just want a platform. They don’t care if they create strife and confusion. James 3:16 says “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

It’s about their agenda and audience, not about Yeshua. They are not preaching the true gospel but want to bring people back under the law. Back under works. They are leading others into a great deception. And unfortunately, the ones who are not in the Word, shall be deceived! It is happening right before our very eyes! Just like the Bible says, false prophets and teachers shall lead many astray. Here’s a sobering thought: Paul said if there is anyone even an angel that preaches a different gospel let him be accursed! (Galatians 1) Selah!

I don’t appreciate when anyone uses the Jewish Roots for their own gain. I do believe this is a tactic of the enemy to divide the church as in times past, as well as his agenda to continue to either annihilate Jewish identity or twist it. Jesus said that to Love God and Love people as yourself, these are the greatest commandments and that the Law and the Prophets hang on these. (Matthew 22:36-40)

When Jesus spoke on these commandments, He was actually quoting a scripture found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, where you will find the Shema prayer that included the command to love the Lord your God. Now this my friends is a true Jewish Root! The Jewish Roots always should point you to God, point you to Yeshua, not man, not condemnation, only Him! For He is our Lamb, our Word, our sacrifice, our Feasts and so much more!

My friends, the main thought of this post is that whatever we do, we must promote Him by loving people and one another. We are not here to promote our own agendas. That means, my opinions, my theology, what I deem important, if it does not line up with Yeshua’s character and His word, just like Paul put it, I count it as dung.

While the tree can represent paganism to many, in our home, it represents my marriage to my Gentile husband that I would never ask to change. I love him just the way God made him. He reciprocates the same to me. And wherever else Yeshua is celebrated, that’s where I will be. I love my Christian brothers and sisters, and where they celebrate Yeshua, Jesus, that is where I will be.

See my friends, this is the beauty of the One New Man, the true church. We can correct each other in love, edify, respect and support each other’s individual identities because each one brings their uniqueness to the table, thus a mutual blessing between the two. Jesus is more concerned about our love walk than a tree. If we are fighting each other in front of the whole world over a tree, what does that say about us? We are surely misrepresenting!!

Now, it’s one thing if we celebrated the pagan roots, or made it an idol, that is one thing. If I brought a Christmas tree to my Jewish mother’s house, all I can say is Oy Vey! I would not do that because the life I live is not about me, but all about Him! If it offends another’s conscience and I do it anyway, I am not walking in love. (See Romans 14) It’s all about love y’all! This is the priority and the standard to which we live by, It’s as simple as that.

In conclusion, I hope each and everyone of you, whether you celebrate Chanukah, or Christmas or both, as the Bible says, do it as to the Lord! For in Him we live and move and have our very being. We are His One New Man! Let’s love one another and show forth the love and light of our Lord in this holiday season to the world! Chag Sameach, Happy Chanukah and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!

PS -Would love to hear from you! Feel free to comment!

Big hugs and much shalom!

Ellen (Brucha)