Hannukah 2025 and the Coming of Elijah

From a very early age I have believed in the (pre-tribulation) Rapture of the Church, and have maintained this view, even though the Rapture is (sadly) not taught in many churches today.

I have, however, come to understand that there may be two Raptures: the Bride (like Eve, taken out of Adam, who is a type of the body of Christ - the barley harvest), followed by the Rapture of the body of Christ (the wheat and tares harvest).  The Rapture of the Bride (remnant church) is imminent and should be expected at anytime!

Hanukkah 2025 in Australia - a time of deep sorrow

On the first day of Hanukkah 2025 (Sunday 14 December) 15 lives (almost all Jewish) were destroyed by two terrorist gunmen, near the popular Bondi Beach.  Those killed included a 10 year old girl (Matilda) and a holocaust survivor!  Survive the Holocaust, but not a celebration by the Sea!  Many very, very sad stories of those who lost their lives, and others who were injured.

I live in Canberra, and on the last day of Hanukkah (Sunday 21 December) I attended a memorial service for the Bondi victims, in the Great Hall of Parliament House.  The meeting was led beautifully by the ACT Jewish Community.  I was astonished to be among 800 or so people crowded into the Great Hall, and showing support for Israel.  One of the saddest yet poignant meetings I have ever attended.  Around 15000 attended a memorial service in Bondi, in a great show of national support for Jews.

Does Hanukkah point to the Coming of the end-time Elijah?

While Hanukkah was rightly a time of watching for the Rapture, it may point to Elijah.  Hanukkah is celebrated with nine candles - the middle candle (the servant candle) lights one candle each day - seven days from the first to the last.  Jesus' ministry, as the type of a servant,  was around 31/2 years. 

Could the ministry of the end-time Elijah, preparing the way for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, also last for around 31/2 years?  Although a Prophet, he could come as a servant, lighting the last four Hanukkah candles.

Three Total Lunar Eclipses Visible from Israel (in 2028, 2029).

While looking at eclipses visible from Jerusalem/Israel, I came across something quite amazing (and very rare).  There is a total lunar eclipse, visible from Israel, on 31 December 2028 - at the very turning into the New Year for Gentiles!  Interestingly, Australia became a nation on 1 January 1901 (108 years as a nation on 1 January 2029).

Then on 26 June 2029 (a gap of 177 days) there is another total lunar eclipse visible from Israel.  The third in this sequence is on 20 December 2029, also with a gap of 177 days (3 days short of half a time - 180 days).  Lunar eclipses are especially linked to Israel, so this triple lunar eclipse is a strong witness to Israel's end-time destiny.

The End-time Harvest?

Could the next three years see the end-time (Gentile) harvest, the final outpouring of the Holy Spirit?  Will the true church embrace Israel, like Ruth (a type of a Gentile choosing the Jews).  There may also be persecution in response to the revival.  Elijah may help to light the Hanukkah candles, with the oil of the Spirit?

I am sharing these thoughts as it seems clear that end-time events are accelerating across the Earth!  In Malachi, God promised to send Elijah before the (now imminent) Day of the Lord!  The Rapture (or Raptures) are pivotal to the Day of the Lord!

Maranatha!!  Denis in Canberra