Special Edition: A Woman Welcomes the Light (Happy Mother’s Day)
Blog Series Intention Recap
This series invites readers to rediscover the rhythms of Shabbat as Jesus experienced them, revealing how ancient Jewish practices point to the rest, presence, and grace found in Messiah (Jesus). Each post unpacks a traditional element of Shabbat—beginning at sundown, candle lighting, spoken blessings, and shared meals—to show how they deepen our spiritual formation today. By exploring these practices, readers are equipped to follow Yeshua (Jesus) not only in belief but in the sacred rhythms of time, family, and worship.
This page is a post in the series “Dining with Jesus.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into this SpecialWeek:
A Woman Welcomes the Light… In the Jewish tradition, Shabbat begins with a woman lighting the candles—ushering in light, peace, and sacred time. In the gospel story, Mary welcomes the Light of the World into the world. This divine pattern reminds us that Yeshua (Jesus) is still welcomed by faithful people—often through the quiet strength and spiritual leadership of women. Honor the light-bringers in your life. Practice inviting the presence of Jesus into your home through peace, prayer, and intentional rhythms—perhaps even with candlelight.
Why it Matters:
Women light the Shabbat candles, symbolizing the beginning of rest and the presence of peace.
Mary’s “yes” welcomed Yeshua (Jesus), the true Light, into the darkness of the world.
Yeshua (Jesus) honored women as vital participants in His mission and ministry.
Light a candle to mark sacred time and invite the presence of the Light of the World into your home.
Go Deeper:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —Yeshua (Jesus), John 8:12 (ESV)
Every Friday evening in Jewish homes around the world, a woman stands before a flickering flame and says a quiet prayer. She covers her eyes, lights the candles, and whispers the ancient blessing that begins the most sacred time of the week:
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu, Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Sabbath candles.
With that gentle flame, Shabbat begins. A holy pause enters the home. The day becomes different. The ordinary is set apart.
This tradition is thousands of years old, and yet it is alive with gospel meaning. In the light of those candles, we see the story of Yeshua (Jesus). And in the woman who lights them, we see the dignity of faith, hospitality, and welcome.
Let’s reflect on the beauty and theology of this tradition—and how it connects us to the Light of the World.
The Flame that Welcomes Shabbat
In Jewish tradition, the woman of the household lights the Shabbat candles. This is not simply a domestic task—it is a theological act. She does not wait until the sun has set. She lights the candles before darkness falls, to ensure the home is ready for rest and worship.
The candle lighting signifies the beginning of sacred time. It separates the ordinary from the holy. It marks the boundary between the frantic pace of the week and the peace of God's rest.
And most significantly: it welcomes light into darkness.
This is not an empty ritual. It is a weekly picture of salvation. The light doesn’t wait for the world to fix itself. It arrives before the darkness takes over.
Just like the gospel.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5 (ESV)
Mary’s “Yes” and the Light of the World
Now consider Mary of Nazareth, a young Jewish woman in a small Galilean village. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, he spoke of a child who would be the Son of the Most High. He would reign forever. And His name would be Yeshua (Jesus).
Mary’s response?
“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” —Luke 1:38 (ESV)
In that moment, she welcomed the Light of the World into the darkness of the world.
Mary, like the women who light the Sabbath candles, did not delay. She said yes before she fully understood. She believed before she saw. And in doing so, she became the first to welcome Jesus—not only into her home, but into the world.
Every Shabbat candle is a reflection of this moment.
The light is not only physical—it is spiritual. It is peace in chaos. It is Jesus in the storm. It is the Light of God breaking through the silence.
When a woman lights the candle, she reenacts Mary’s “yes.” She welcomes the presence of God into her space.
Yeshua (Jesus) Honored Women
Yeshua (Jesus) did not enter a world that honored women—but He honored them anyway.
He spoke to women when others shunned them (John 4). He healed them when others ignored them (Luke 13). He welcomed them as disciples and friends (Luke 10:38–42). He allowed them to anoint Him, bless Him, and even support His ministry (Luke 8:1–3).
And when He rose from the dead, the first witnesses were women (Matthew 28:1–10).
In every Gospel account, women were among the first to believe, to serve, and to tell the story.
Yeshua (Jesus) didn’t just tolerate women—He trusted them.
The Shabbat candle tradition is a living picture of this. Every week, as a woman lights the candle and speaks peace over her home, she steps into a long line of faithful women who welcomed God.
This act of lighting a flame is not small. It is sacred.
Light a Candle, Invite His Presence
You may not be Jewish. You may not speak Hebrew. But the invitation still stands:
Light a candle. Welcome the Light. Make space for Yeshua (Jesus).
Let that small flame be a spiritual discipline. A moment of hospitality. A holy interruption.
Here’s how you can begin:
A Simple Shabbat Practice:
Choose a time: Friday evening before sundown.
Light a candle: Any candle will do. What matters is the moment.
Say a prayer: “Lord, as this candle burns, let Your peace fill this home. May Your presence rest here.”
Pause: Sit in the stillness. Let the flame remind you that God is near.
You don’t need to light a perfect candle. You need to light a real one. You don’t need to speak flawless Hebrew. You need to speak from the heart.
This is not legalism—it’s invitation. It’s rhythm. It’s a way of setting your home apart.
How does this help me understand, “Dining With Jesus?”
Welcome the Light
In John 8:12, Yeshua (Jesus) declared:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (ESV)
The light still shines.
The darkness still trembles.
And you still have the choice to welcome Him.
This week, don’t wait for Sunday to begin your worship. Let Friday night become holy. Let a candle become your call to peace. Let the presence of Yeshua (Jesus) be invited in—not just to your church, but to your home.
Honor the light-bringers. Welcome the Light. And remember: before the world knew His name, a woman said yes—and everything changed.
