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 ~ |
At that time
the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and
Jesus Yeshua was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. (John
10:22-23)
When most people hear of the holiday of Hanukkah, they immediately think
of it as a holiday celebrated by Jewish people. Yet as Bible believers, we
should all enjoy this celebration as our Messiah Yeshua, Jesus, celebrated
it. The Feast of Dedication spoken of in John’s gospel is Hanukkah. Our
Scriptures tell us that Yeshua Jesus was there in Jerusalem during this
wonderful feast. We are told that it was winter and Jesus was there in the
Temple.
As Purim and Passover originally occurred outside the country of Israel,
this feast is special as it originally occurred in Israel. The Feast of
Dedication commemorates the Jewish victory over the forces of evil. A
group of Jewish faithful called the Maccabees defeated one of the
mightiest powers on earth. After the battle, it was discovered that the
Ner Tamid, the eternal flame in the Temple had been extinguished.
Exodus 27:20 tells us that God said You shall
charge the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives
for the light, to make a lamp burn continually. The quantity of
oil left was barely enough to last one day. A sentry was sent to get
replacement oil. The miracle is that the oil that was used for the
Temple’s eternal flame lasted for eight days, rather than for one day as
expected.*
Today, Hanukkah is celebrated worldwide. Many giant Chanukiya menorahs are
lit in different cities to commemorate this wonderful victory. One of the
most fun celebrations occurs yearly in Israel. It is the Torch relay run.
This relay begins in the town of Modi’in in honor of the Maccabee family
who lived in Modi’in. Runners carry a torch into Jerusalem, covering a
distance of twenty miles (almost a marathon). The torch relay runs ends at
Jerusalem’s Western Wall. The torch relay runner hands the torch to the
Chief Rabbi who then lights the first light on the Chanukiya Menorah.
In John 8:12, 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 also said in chapter 1:9 that
There was the true Light which, coming into the
world, enlightens every man.
As the main candle in the Chanukiya menorah, called the shamash, is
used to light the other eight candles, Jesus, Yeshua’s light enlightens
our darkness. Matthew records in chapter 5:14-15 that Jesus said,
You are the light of the
world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden nor does anyone light a
lamp and put it under a basket, but on the
lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. |
We are the light of the world; we are the torch bearers of
Good news. Daniel 2:22 gives us this wonderful encouragement
It is He who reveals the profound and hidden
things; He knows what is in the darkness, And the light dwells with Him.
As we submit our lives to Him, as we surrender our will to Him,
He reveals profound and hidden things. He sheds light on our questions,
our problems, our challenges and our trials. In turn, as He gives us
light, we can encourage others in this world of darkness and hopefully
lead them to the True Light, the Messiah, Jesus, Yeshua.
As we enjoy this wonderful season, may we be encouraged by John’s words in
I John 2:8: On the other hand, I am writing a new
commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness
is passing away and the true Light is already shining.
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)
And there will no longer be any night; and they
will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun,
because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and
ever. (Revelation 22:5)
* "By a miracle, the legend states, the oil
lasted for eight days."
Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum,
Dr., Messianic Bible Study 122: Channukah (The Feast of Dedication)
pdf, p. 6
.
* * * HAPPY HANUKKAH! * * *