Hanukkah 24 Kislev - 2 Tevet 5785
Begins on the evening of 25 December 2024
Finishes at sundown 2 January 2025
This is a festival that didn’t begin with Moses, it is not found amongst the appointed times (Moe’dim) listed in the book of Leviticus because the events that brought about this festival occurred in the period between the Tanakh and the Brit Hadasha (the Old and New Covenants/Testaments)
However, it is a biblical feast in that it was predicted prophetically in the Book of Daniel and Jesus (Yeshua) authenticated this feast when He went to Jerusalem to observe it. Hanukkah is celebrated from 25th Kislev to 3rd Tevet which falls between 25th December 2024 and 2nd January 2025 on the Gregorian calendar. As with all Biblical feasts, it starts at sundown the night before (Erev Hanukkah) on Kislev 24 - 25th December 2024 and finishes at sundown on Tevet 2, or 02 January 2025. It commemorates cleansing and re-dedicating the Temple after its desolation by the Seleucid army of the Emperor Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Hanukkah has been celebrated by the Jews since 164 BC The Jews were called to be “ a light to the nations” (Deuteronomy 7:6-8) Jesus (Yeshua) is the “light of the world” (John 8:12) |
Historical Background“Hanukkah” (the word means “dedication” in Hebrew) is a celebration of God’s faithfulness and deliverance.
The events it celebrates took place during the inter-testamental period, in approximately 165-163 B.C. Antiochus IV Epiphanes: The Anti-Christ of the Old Testament. The name or title he gave himself was ‘Epiphanes’ meaning the “the manifest god” or “Illustrious One” but the Jews nicknamed him Epimanes, meaning "madman.” He ruled over the Syrian section of Alexander the Great’s Empire. He was 8th in a succession of 26 kings who ruled from 175-164 BC He is referred to as “the little horn” in Daniel 8:9 in the context of the third (Greek) kingdom. He was one of the vilest archetypes of the Antichrist in all of God’s word. Over 150 years earlier, Alexander the Great had conquered the entire ancient world of the Eastern Mediterranean. Upon his early death, four of his generals divided up his empire. The area of Judea eventually came under the control of the Syrian (Seleucid) Emperor Antiochus IV “Epiphanes.” He was also known as ‘the pig’ and ‘the madman’. The persecutions began in the year 173 BC when the High Priest Onias III, also known as Onias the righteous was replaced by his wicked brother Jason. Jason received that position by bribing Antiochus Epiphanes, one year later in 172 BC he was replaced by an even more wicked brother Menelaus. Onias was the only biblically legitimate High Priest according to the law of Moses. From then on until the year 164 BC when Antiochus Epiphanes died the priests were appointed by him and were not legitimate. Therefore they did not have the anointing and authority of the Holy Spirit. Antiochus attacked Judea ruthlessly slaughtering men, women and children, and invading the Temple. He tried to force the Jews to accept Greek culture, and forbade worship of Israel’s God, circumcision, Shabbat observation and keeping kosher. To show his contempt for the God of Israel Antiochus Epiphanes defiled the Temple by ordering the sacrificial killing and cooking of a pig and pouring its broth on the altar then erecting a statue of Zeus in the Holy of Holies! |
Antiochus had over 80,000 men, women and children killed. He sold 40,000 more into slavery. Robbed the Temple of its treasures and dedicated it to Zeus.
He substituted the Jewish feasts with drunken revelry and idolatry – worshipping Bacchus (pleasure and wine), and Saturn (licentiousness).
He forbade the reading of the Holy Scriptures and had anyone caught with a Bible, thrown off the highest wall in Jerusalem with their children. Mothers whose babies had been circumcised were killed with their dead babies hung around their necks. The atrocities against the Jews at this time are too awful to recount in detail. The Jewish historian Josephus recorded it in his book Antiquities, it is also recorded in detail in the Apocrypha in 1 Maccabees 1:20-28 and 2 Maccabees 5: 11-17.
In ancient Greek culture, contests were always held with the participants naked, which was offensive to the Jews.
Antiochus introduced Gymnasia (athletics) to Israel.
He substituted the Jewish feasts with drunken revelry and idolatry – worshipping Bacchus (pleasure and wine), and Saturn (licentiousness).
He forbade the reading of the Holy Scriptures and had anyone caught with a Bible, thrown off the highest wall in Jerusalem with their children. Mothers whose babies had been circumcised were killed with their dead babies hung around their necks. The atrocities against the Jews at this time are too awful to recount in detail. The Jewish historian Josephus recorded it in his book Antiquities, it is also recorded in detail in the Apocrypha in 1 Maccabees 1:20-28 and 2 Maccabees 5: 11-17.
In ancient Greek culture, contests were always held with the participants naked, which was offensive to the Jews.
Antiochus introduced Gymnasia (athletics) to Israel.
At that time there were Israelites who became known as ‘Hellenisers’ “those who have violated the covenant” who readily accepted the ways of the Greeks and forsook the ways of their fathers (God’s ways) – some even had a pick and mix mentality of mixing God’s ways with the ways of the world i.e., serving in the temple then casting off their robes and joining in the ‘games’ at the gymnasium, then robing up again and going back to serve at the temple.
When Antiochus cooked a pig and poured its broth all over the Torah scrolls and the altar, he issued a decree that only pigs were to be sacrificed in the Temple and all Jews were to worship the statue of Zeus (Jupiter Olympus).
Syrian officers were dispatched to enforce these cruel and blasphemous decrees.
This was the first “Abomination that causes desolation” and was prophesied by Daniel (11:31-32).
When Antiochus cooked a pig and poured its broth all over the Torah scrolls and the altar, he issued a decree that only pigs were to be sacrificed in the Temple and all Jews were to worship the statue of Zeus (Jupiter Olympus).
Syrian officers were dispatched to enforce these cruel and blasphemous decrees.
This was the first “Abomination that causes desolation” and was prophesied by Daniel (11:31-32).
The tensions which led to the Jewish revolt were exacerbated when the Jewish high priest, an Hellenist himself, offered a sacrifice to Heracles (Hercules), who was a Greek symbol of homosexuality. “The Jewish temple itself became the scene of pagan sacrificial meals and sexual orgies.” The final insult (for which Antiochus is identified in the Bible as the archetype of the antichrist) “was the installation in the temple of a pagan symbol ‘the abomination that causes desolation’”
The Maccabees
A Jewish priest called Mattathias from the house of Hasmon, had 5 sons. Judah Maccabee was the middle one (Maccabee means ‘the hammer’). Mattathias was appalled at what was happening to his people in Jerusalem so he took his sons and his followers into the mountains to wage a guerilla warfare against the Seleucids. Judah heading an army of guerrillas marched down upon Jerusalem and somehow, against all odds, prevailed against the enemy.
Although greatly outnumbered and overpowered, under Judah Maccabee’s leadership they fought a courageous guerrilla war and drove out the Greeks in 163 B.C., re-entering the city and the temple. They tore down the statues of Zeus, cleaned up the mess in the Temple then held a great Festival to re-dedicate their sacred space. |
They rededicated the Temple and reconsecrated a new altar.
The ner tamid (eternal light) was relit, but there was only enough consecrated olive oil to keep it burning for one day.
They lit the menorah anyway, and the oil miraculously burned for 8 days while more was being prepared.
Thus began the Feast of Dedication to celebrate this miracle, their great deliverance from oppressors and the dedication of the newly cleansed temple.
The Jewish people have never forgotten this great triumph and every year the story is re-told at the festival of the Dedication, Hanukkah.
John 8:12 – Jesus (Yeshua) the Light of the World!
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV).
As with all the other Biblical Festivals (appointed times) Yeshua (Jesus) and his disciples also went up to Jerusalem to commemorate the Festival of Dedication, it is recorded in John 10:22-23 "Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade."
The ner tamid (eternal light) was relit, but there was only enough consecrated olive oil to keep it burning for one day.
They lit the menorah anyway, and the oil miraculously burned for 8 days while more was being prepared.
Thus began the Feast of Dedication to celebrate this miracle, their great deliverance from oppressors and the dedication of the newly cleansed temple.
The Jewish people have never forgotten this great triumph and every year the story is re-told at the festival of the Dedication, Hanukkah.
John 8:12 – Jesus (Yeshua) the Light of the World!
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV).
As with all the other Biblical Festivals (appointed times) Yeshua (Jesus) and his disciples also went up to Jerusalem to commemorate the Festival of Dedication, it is recorded in John 10:22-23 "Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade."
Menorah, Dreidels, Gelt and Festive foods
Modern observance of Hanukkah uses a Hanukkiah which is a 9 branched candelabra.
A spinning top known as a dreidel or sevivon – it has been recorded, that during the pogroms this game was played by children at the entrance of a Jewish house to cause the enemies of the Jews to pass by that house and not investigate further the fact that the inhabitants were observing their faith indoors.
Gelt a coin usually made of chocolate but can also be a real coin and is used in the 'dreidel/sevivon' game.
Traditionally festive foods which have been cooked in oil are served during the 8 day festival, the most popular are latkes (potato cakes) served with apple sauce and sour cream, sufganiyot – round doughnuts filled with jam or jelly and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Blintzes, either a pancake or filo pastry filled with cream cheese and fruit or jam, or cottage cheese, spinach and pinenuts for the savoury variety, these are just some examples with doughnuts and latkes being the most popular. (There are recipes for Sufganiyot, Blintzes and Latkes (sweet and savoury) on the Recipe page on this website.)
A modern custom is for gifts to be given each night of the festival – one each night at candle lighting.
A spinning top known as a dreidel or sevivon – it has been recorded, that during the pogroms this game was played by children at the entrance of a Jewish house to cause the enemies of the Jews to pass by that house and not investigate further the fact that the inhabitants were observing their faith indoors.
Gelt a coin usually made of chocolate but can also be a real coin and is used in the 'dreidel/sevivon' game.
Traditionally festive foods which have been cooked in oil are served during the 8 day festival, the most popular are latkes (potato cakes) served with apple sauce and sour cream, sufganiyot – round doughnuts filled with jam or jelly and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Blintzes, either a pancake or filo pastry filled with cream cheese and fruit or jam, or cottage cheese, spinach and pinenuts for the savoury variety, these are just some examples with doughnuts and latkes being the most popular. (There are recipes for Sufganiyot, Blintzes and Latkes (sweet and savoury) on the Recipe page on this website.)
A modern custom is for gifts to be given each night of the festival – one each night at candle lighting.
The Hannukiah has 9 branches. 8 recall the 8 days the oil miraculously burned, while the 9th is the “Servant” (Shamash) candle which is mounted higher than the rest and is used to light the other candles.
The Shamash represents Yeshua (Jesus) “The Servant King.” He is the promised Messiah! Tradition
Every evening during the eight day feast, each of the eight candles are lit—one the first night, two the second, etc. until all eight, plus the servant, are brightly burning in the homes of all Jews on the last night. They are to be set up near a window so all passerby’s can see them.
The candles are placed in the Hanukkiah from right to left, however they are lit from left to right with the Shammash candle which is lit first then used to light the newest candle on the left of the previous candle. |
Hanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings: Every night during Hanukkah members of the family will gather around their menorahs and recite the blessings below as part of the candle lighting ceremony. The first two blessings are recited each night. The third blessing is only recited on the first night of Hanukkah, when the menorah is kindled for the first time.
Blessing 1
English:
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.
Sephardic/Modern Israeli:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, asher kiddeshanu b’mitzvotav, vitzivanu, lehadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom Asher Kiddeshonu Be-mitsvoysov Ve-tsivonu Lehadlik Neyr Shel khanuko.
South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum Asher Kiddeshuni Be-mitsvoysuv Ve-tsivuni Lehadlik Nayr Shel khaniku.
Blessing 2
This second blessing, which asks us to remember the miracles performed for our ancestors, is also said prior to the Megillah reading on Purim.
English:
Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.
Sephardic/Modern Israeli:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, she-asah nissim la-avotaynu bayamim ha-hem bazman hazeh.
Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-oso Nissim La-avoseynu Ba-yyomim Ho-heym Ba-zzman Ha-zze.
South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum She-usu Nissim La-avosayni Ba-yyumim Hu-haym Ba-zzman Ha-zze.
Blessing 3
This blessing is recited only on the first time the Hanukkah menorah is lit. Called the Shehechiyanu, it is an important blessing that thanks God for sustaining us and reminds us to appreciate the goodness in our lives.
English:
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this time.
Sepharidc/Modern Israeli:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, she-hekheyanu v-kiyamanu v-higgianu lazman hazeh.
Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-hekheyonu Ve-kiymonu Ve-higgi'onu La-zzman Ha-zze.
South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum She-hekheyuni Ve-kiymuni Ve-higgi'uni La-zzman Ha-zze
Blessing 1
English:
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.
Sephardic/Modern Israeli:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, asher kiddeshanu b’mitzvotav, vitzivanu, lehadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom Asher Kiddeshonu Be-mitsvoysov Ve-tsivonu Lehadlik Neyr Shel khanuko.
South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum Asher Kiddeshuni Be-mitsvoysuv Ve-tsivuni Lehadlik Nayr Shel khaniku.
Blessing 2
This second blessing, which asks us to remember the miracles performed for our ancestors, is also said prior to the Megillah reading on Purim.
English:
Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.
Sephardic/Modern Israeli:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, she-asah nissim la-avotaynu bayamim ha-hem bazman hazeh.
Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-oso Nissim La-avoseynu Ba-yyomim Ho-heym Ba-zzman Ha-zze.
South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum She-usu Nissim La-avosayni Ba-yyumim Hu-haym Ba-zzman Ha-zze.
Blessing 3
This blessing is recited only on the first time the Hanukkah menorah is lit. Called the Shehechiyanu, it is an important blessing that thanks God for sustaining us and reminds us to appreciate the goodness in our lives.
English:
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this time.
Sepharidc/Modern Israeli:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, she-hekheyanu v-kiyamanu v-higgianu lazman hazeh.
Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-hekheyonu Ve-kiymonu Ve-higgi'onu La-zzman Ha-zze.
South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum She-hekheyuni Ve-kiymuni Ve-higgi'uni La-zzman Ha-zze
Dreidel
During Hanukkah Jewish children enjoy playing with a four-sided spinning top known as a dreidel. Each side of the dreidel features a Hebrew letter: nun, gimel, hei, and shin.
The letters stand for the Hebrew phrase, Nes Gadol Haya Sham – which means “A great miracle happened there!" In Israel, the dreidel is called a Sevivon and it looks slightly different. The fourth side of the sevivon is printed with the letter pei instead of shin, which changes the acronym to Nes Gadol Haya Po – “A great miracle happened here!” |
In the game, a fixed amount of real or chocolate coins are donated by each participant in a purse called the kupah. These are called Hannukah Gelt. Some coins are also kept in reserve by each player. Next, the top is spun by each participant one by one. With every turn when the dreidel rests, it reveals a letter indicating the fate of the player. The Nun means the player gets nothing, Gimmel means the player gets the entire deposit in the kupah. Heh, entitles the player to take half of the deposit and finally Shin indicates that the player will have to "put in" a few pieces, since Peh means to pay. Anyone who finishes off their reserve is out unless the other players lend that player a few coins to continue. In the end the person who manages to win the entire booty wins the game! |
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Deliverance
Hanukkah celebrates one of many deliverances of the Jewish people from those who would try, again and again, to destroy God’s Covenant people.
In recent history we have two horrible examples of this—the pogroms in Russia in the early 1900s, and the Holocaust. Yet the Lord’s people are alive today and back in their own Land against unbelievable odds. But the enemy has not given up, and is still trying and will continue to try to destroy them. At this present time in History, despite all the rhetoric after the 2nd world war and the horror of the Holocaust, we have anti-Jewish/anti-Israel sentiment reaching new heights across the democratic world, fed to the world by the enemies of Israel, the so-called ‘free press’ aided and abetted by the agencies of UN (predominantly anti-Israel) and the EU. Sadly there are some 'Christian' churches that also preach and teach non-biblical anti-Jewish doctrines such as Replacement Theology (i.e., the church has replaced Israel), obviously unaware of the 'Hebraic roots of their faith.' This is also known as Supersessionism or secessionist theology. Another form of this anti-Jewish/anti-Israel doctrine is called 'Palestinian Liberation theology' and is promoted worldwide by an organisation called 'Sabeel.' I wonder if they may be the ones ‘gnashing their teeth’ on judgement day. The one’s that say "Lord, Lord we did this in your name..."sorrowfully Jesus tells them “I never knew you”. |
In the Book of Daniel Chapter 8 and verse 14 we read: He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.”
The entire duration of 2300 days began on 9th September 171 BC with the death of Onias until the rededication of the Temple on 25 December 165 BC.
This prophesy was literally fulfilled exactly as Daniel had predicted. The preceding verses also describe the desecration of the Temple whilst verses 15-27 describe what is to come at the appointed time of the end and go on to describe present day Assyria, Iran and Greece.
We also read in the Tanakh (Bible) that at the end of the age, another anti-Christ will arise similar to Epiphanes and along with the beast and the false prophet do even worse deeds until finally Yeshua (Jesus) returns with a great army to defeat the unholy trinity ruling the world at that time.
Today, at this point in history we have a battle of ideologies taking place – totalitarianism versus democracy with radical Islam declaring the aim of placing the whole world under Sharia law and installing the rule of a medieval Caliphate to hasten the arrival of the Mahdi (an Islamic Messianic figure). The Mahdi is also referred to as the 12th or hidden Imam by the (Shi'ite) Iranian leadership.
The entire duration of 2300 days began on 9th September 171 BC with the death of Onias until the rededication of the Temple on 25 December 165 BC.
This prophesy was literally fulfilled exactly as Daniel had predicted. The preceding verses also describe the desecration of the Temple whilst verses 15-27 describe what is to come at the appointed time of the end and go on to describe present day Assyria, Iran and Greece.
We also read in the Tanakh (Bible) that at the end of the age, another anti-Christ will arise similar to Epiphanes and along with the beast and the false prophet do even worse deeds until finally Yeshua (Jesus) returns with a great army to defeat the unholy trinity ruling the world at that time.
Today, at this point in history we have a battle of ideologies taking place – totalitarianism versus democracy with radical Islam declaring the aim of placing the whole world under Sharia law and installing the rule of a medieval Caliphate to hasten the arrival of the Mahdi (an Islamic Messianic figure). The Mahdi is also referred to as the 12th or hidden Imam by the (Shi'ite) Iranian leadership.
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” (John 10:22-24 NIV)
When the people meet with Yeshua (Jesus) in the Temple during Hanukkah (Festival of Dedication), they are asking him if he is going to deliver them from Roman rule the same way the Maccabees delivered them from the Seleucids previously.
However rather than using military force to deliver them He lays down His life! His destiny is to go to the cross and become the once and for all sacrificial lamb of God (Seh Ha Elohim) whose sheep know his voice!
New Covenant Reference:
Yeshua (Jesus) went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, and while in the temple area He proclaimed His divinity—“I and the Father are one” (John 10:30 NIV).
John 10:25-27 records: Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe.”
“The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.”
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Verses 28-30: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
“I and the Father are one.”
Hanukkah is observed in remembrance of a miracle: the miracle of the oil lasting 8 days when there was only enough for one day. However there is a greater miracle recorded here - Yeshua (Jesus) made 3 declarations at this time:
The miracle that should really be observed on this occasion is that God became man to die for mankind so that those who believe can receive salvation. Because believers have an eternal salvation they can walk in the light, because He who is the “Light of the World” is indwelling them.
1 John 1: 5-9 reads: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
So the miracle for followers of Yeshua (Jesus) is that by walking in the light, we have fellowship with God and fellowship with other believers. Yeshua (Jesus) indeed fulfils this festival as “The Light of the World” and the miracle that allows us to become ‘children of light’ through His once and for all sacrifice.
We can also celebrate this festival at this time of year with the lights of the Hanukkiah representing the Light of the World.
When the people meet with Yeshua (Jesus) in the Temple during Hanukkah (Festival of Dedication), they are asking him if he is going to deliver them from Roman rule the same way the Maccabees delivered them from the Seleucids previously.
However rather than using military force to deliver them He lays down His life! His destiny is to go to the cross and become the once and for all sacrificial lamb of God (Seh Ha Elohim) whose sheep know his voice!
New Covenant Reference:
Yeshua (Jesus) went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, and while in the temple area He proclaimed His divinity—“I and the Father are one” (John 10:30 NIV).
John 10:25-27 records: Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe.”
“The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.”
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Verses 28-30: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
“I and the Father are one.”
Hanukkah is observed in remembrance of a miracle: the miracle of the oil lasting 8 days when there was only enough for one day. However there is a greater miracle recorded here - Yeshua (Jesus) made 3 declarations at this time:
- A declaration of His one-ness with the Father
- A declaration of His sonship with the Father
- The declaration of His deity.
The miracle that should really be observed on this occasion is that God became man to die for mankind so that those who believe can receive salvation. Because believers have an eternal salvation they can walk in the light, because He who is the “Light of the World” is indwelling them.
1 John 1: 5-9 reads: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
So the miracle for followers of Yeshua (Jesus) is that by walking in the light, we have fellowship with God and fellowship with other believers. Yeshua (Jesus) indeed fulfils this festival as “The Light of the World” and the miracle that allows us to become ‘children of light’ through His once and for all sacrifice.
We can also celebrate this festival at this time of year with the lights of the Hanukkiah representing the Light of the World.
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Zola Levitt presents: A Child is Born
Zola discovered, quite by accident, an amazing series of biblical "coincidences." It seems that every one of us, as we develop in the womb, follows the schedule of the seven feasts of Israel that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. This half-hour program illustrates the surprising similarities of these two chains of events, each established by God according to His purpose. |