The holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the events which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is now Israel. It begins in the reign of Alexander the Great, who conquered Syria, Egypt, and Palestine, but allowed the lands under his control to continue observing their own religions and retain a certain degree of autonomy. Under this relatively benevolent rule, many Jews assimilated much of Hellenistic culture, adopting the language, the customs, and the dress of the Greeks, in much the same way that Jews in America today blend into the secular American society.
More than 100 years after Alexander, Antiochus IV rose to power in the region. He began to oppress the Jews severely, placing a Hellenistic priest in the Temple, massacring Jews, prohibiting the practice of the Jewish religion, and desecrating the Temple by requiring the sacrifice of pigs (a non-kosher animal) on the altar. One of the groups which opposed Antiochus was led by Mattathias (Matitiyahu) the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee (“The Hammer”).
This small band of pious Jews led guerrilla warfare against the Syrian army. Antiochus sent thousands of well-armed troops to crush the rebellion, but the Maccabees succeeded in driving the foreigners from their land. According to historical accounts, Jewish fighters entered Jerusalem in December 164 BC. The Holy Temple, the Jewish religious center, was in shambles, defiled and desecrated by foreign soldiers.
The Maccabees cleansed the Temple and re-dedicated it on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. When it came time to re-light the Menorah (the multi-branched lamp stand), they searched the entire Temple, but only one small jar of oil bearing the pure seal of the High Priest could be found. Miraculously, the small jar of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply of oil could be brought. From then on, Jews everywhere have observed a holiday for eight days in honor of this historic victory and the miracle of the oil. The observance of Hanukkah features the lighting of a special Hanukkah menorah with eight branches (plus a helper candle), adding one new candle each night.
During this great season of remembering miracles, Jesus pointed out to His listeners that the miracles He had done authenticated His claim that He was, indeed, the long-awaited Jewish Messiah (see John 10:37-38). His works and His true character clearly demonstrated who He was.
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12). The Lord Jesus gives all of us, Jew and Gentile, the “light of life.” And He commanded us to “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
I found this information here
With this information in mind, as believers in Jesus, we find it difficult to overlook or just let pass. We do realize that Jesus is the Messianic fulfillment of this feast, and that brings us great joy. I have found 8 (and these are only a few!) verses that pertain to light that we plan to read each night of the celebration. Praise Jesus that HE is our light!
Daniel 12:3
And those that have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.
John 1:6-9
There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. He came for a witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light. There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.
John 8:12
Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them saying, I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 12:35-36
Jesus therefore said to them, "For a little while longer the light is among you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness may not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the light, believe in the light, in order that you may become sons of light."
Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Ephesians 5:8
..for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Chris teaches a weekly bible study at our church on Sunday nights, and the current study has been Hanukkah. Here are the links to the pod casts if you are interested in learning! It's intriguing!
Hanukkah part 1&2
Our friend, and teacher, Jacob Prasch is a Messianic Jew and he has a handful of wonderful teachings about Hanukkah if you are interested. Here are a few links to the website where you read the transcribed sermons of Hanukkah. Part one here, and part two here. Enjoy! I most certainly have!!
Here's to the beginning of an amazing week!
Happy Hanukkah!
