Hanukkah Lights
Hanukkah, which means dedication in Hebrew, commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the year 164 B.C. The Temple had been desecrated by the Syrian Greek tyrant Antiochus and under his harsh rule all Jewish traditions and the practice of their religion was banned. Mattathias Maccabeus and his five sons led a long and hard fight against the cruelty of Antiochus and his armies. When Judah Maccabeus and a small band of followers recaptured Jerusalem, their first act was the cleansing of the Temple. When the Maccabees came to rededicate the Temple, they could only find one small jar of consecrated oil, sufficient to light the lamp, Menorah, for just one day.
The light of the Menorah was to never go out in the Sanctuary of the Temple, but as they began the rededication ceremony, the oil burned miraculously for eight days, until more oil could be prepared. Since that time, Hanukkah is remembered by Jews around the world, by the lighting of a lamp for eight days. One candle is lit for each night, beginning with one on the first night, two on the second and so on until eight candles shine on the last night.
Though this is not a celebration stipulated in the Bible, Jesus was seen in the Temple during the commemoration of this event. (John 10.22) He took advantage of the gathering of the people in Jerusalem to do the miraculous works that would give testimony to His divinity. He taught about being the Light of the world and the gift of eternal life. At the time of Hanukkah, Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Christ. Unfortunately much of the true message of this event has been lost in the commercialism of the season, just as this Feast of Dedication had lost much of its meaning at the time when Jesus was on earth. The Pharisees were offended at Jesus’ message and wanted the “Light of the World” out of their feast.
Although Christmas is celebrated all over the world, to many the person of Jesus has been replaced by Santa Claus and a jolly Snowman. The greetings of, “Merry Christmas”, are now “Happy Holidays” and the miracle of the incarnation has been overshadowed by flying reindeers. What would be Jesus’ message be if He would appear at our Christmas parties? Maybe He would say: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1.17) Remember, there is a reason for the season. Jesus came to save mankind from their sins. To give those who believe and receive Him eternal life.
As the prophet Isaiah proclaimed: “The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light.” (Is. 9.2) His name is: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His name is Jesus. He is the Son of God the Father’s gift to each of us. His coming, His presence, and His life are to be celebrated at all times. The Light of the World has shone in our hearts and now we can see. His truth has set us free. He has taken us from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of His great love. Whether you light the Hanukkah candles or turn on the lights of the Christmas tree, Jesus is our focus. He is the Christ in Christmas. He is the reason for the season.
Scriptures to meditate on:
John 8.12; 9.5; James 1.16-18; Isaiah 9.2-7; II Cor. 4.6; Psalms 36.9