Hanukkah

When my children were very young we decided to learn about Hanukkah, so we thought what better way to learn about it than by celebrating it. We found a little Jewish store, bought some books, a beautiful little menorah (hanukkiyah), some music and a dreidel. I even learned to say a prayer in Hebrew. We read the story about Hanukkah, we prayed and lit one candle each night for 8 days, we made latke (fried potato pancakes), played dreidel and we talked about the miracles of God and the greatest miracle of all, the gift of Jesus! Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights. It starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which coincides with late November-late December on the secular calendar. Everyone has their own unique Hanukkah traditions, but there are some traditions that are almost universally practiced. They are: lighting the hanukkiyah, spinning the dreidel and eating fried foods.

In Hebrew, the word “hanukkah” means “dedication.” Hanukkah (Chanukkah) is the eight-day celebration of a miracle that occurred during the rededication of the temple in the second century, B.C. After the Greek general Antiochus IV desecrated the temple by sacrificing pigs on the altars 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, they searched the entire Temple and could only find one small jar of oil bearing the pure seal of the High Priest. 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 this holiday for eight days in honor of this historic victory and the miracle of the oil, a sign, for the Jews, that God blessed their work. The observance of Hanukkah (Chanukah features the lighting of a special Chanukkah menorah with eight branches (plus a helper candle), adding one new candle each night.

Hanukkah is full of spiritual meaning and its elements all point to Jesus Christ. As Christians, we also can celebrate the “Festival of Lights” as we rededicate our lives to Christ and acknowledge Him as the perfect and true light of this world. As believers, when we celebrate Hanukkah it reminds us of God's wonderful miracles on our behalf. It reminds us of God's protection throughout our lives and His faithfulness.

Celebrating the “true light” of this world only seeks to glorify our wonderful Lord and Savior. Jesus told us that whoever follows Him will not have darkness, but the light of life. What a wonderful time of the year to remember and commemorate the great miracle that God has done for us, by giving us new light and new life.

Here is a picture of my menorah