Love Poem: First Night of Chanukah Blessings
Michelle Smith Avatar
Written by: Michelle Smith

First Night of Chanukah Blessings

Baruch atah, Adonai 
Eloheinu, Melech haolam, 
asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav 
v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner 
shel Hanukkah.

Praised are You, Lord 
our God, Ruler of the universe, 
who made us holy through Your commandments 
and commanded us to kindle 
the Chanukah lights.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Praise You Jesus, Lord at thy birth,
Son of God, Love's Pure Light,*
Whose greatest Commandment is to Love,
and Whom John testified is
the Light of the world.**

Blessed are you, Mary,
Queen of our hearts, Mother of Israel's Hope,*** 
who blessed us with your Son to help us be holy,
allowing your home to become like a menorah centered in
Jesus, the Shamash.

Blessed are you, Joseph,
Light of the patriarchs, Foster-father of Jesus,
who taught Jesus (the Son of God!) how to pray,
and who with the Holy Family did kindle
the Chanukah lights.

Blessed are you -- yes you!
A child of God our Father, you are loved!
Contemplate the miracle of Chanukah with the Holy Family,
and Jesus our Shamash kindling in your heart
the Light of the world.




(*Silent Night lyrics
**John 1
***Mother Miriam of the Lamb of God's religious order's title)