The Meaning of Hanukkah for Christians
The Fellowship | December 1, 2022
We often think of Hanukkah as a Jewish holiday. But did you know that the only place Hanukkah is found in the Bible is in the Christian Bible, not the Hebrew Bible? And the only person who is found celebrating Hanukkah in the Bible is Jesus.
We find this in the Gospel of John. “Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter,” we’re told in John 10:22. And the Hebrew word for “dedication” is Hanukkah!
The Story of Hanukkah
The first Hanukkah came during a very dark time in the history of Israel, one in which the “light” of God’s presence among his people was in jeopardy of disappearing entirely. It would take a miracle for the light to continue to shine and would take a rededication in the hearts of the entire Jewish nation to love and worship God above all.
When Alexander the Great conquered Syria, Egypt, and Israel, he allowed each area under his control to continue observing their own religions and to enjoy a certain amount of freedom. But a little over 100 years later a man named Antiochus Epiphanes rose to power and he oppressed the Jewish people. He outlawed all Jewish religious rites, massacring Jews who refused to bow. He installed a Hellenistic (Greek-influenced) High Priest.
Antiochus offered pigs – unclean sacrifices – on the Temple altar. He was driven by a passion to force the Jewish people to adapt to his own world view. Everyone was ordered to worship Zeus as the supreme god. He even stamped his own face on the coins with the epithet, “god manifest.”
While the Jewish people did not at first know how to respond, eventually a small band of pious Jews launched guerilla warfare against the Syrian army. Their leaders were Mattathias and his son Judah Maccabee, or “The Hammer” as he was known. Antiochus sent an army, but the Maccabees supernaturally succeeded in driving the foreigners from their land. When they arrived at the Holy Temple, it was devastated and defiled. They cleansed the Temple and re-dedicated it on the 25th day of Kislev on the Jewish calendar, which is in winter.
The Miracle of Light
From oral tradition, it has been written in the Talmud that as they came to relight the Temple menorah (the seven-branched lampstand), they searched for the special holy oil to light it but they were able to find only one small jar of oil-bearing the required seal of purity by the High Priest – enough to last for just a single day. Miraculously, the small jar of oil burned for eight days, during which a new supply of oil could be made. From then on, Jews around the world have observed a holiday of lighting candles for eight days in honor of this historic victory.
Embracing Hanukkah as a Christian
Hanukkah, a festival traditionally observed by Jews, holds a wealth of spiritual significance that Christians can also embrace. Known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah commemorates the miraculous events during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This celebration of faith, resilience, and divine intervention provides an opportunity for Christians to reflect on their own spiritual journey and the light of God in their lives.
Why Did Jesus Celebrate Hanukkah?
In John 10:22-23, we find Jesus in Jerusalem during Hanukkah: “Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.“
For Jesus, Hanukkah would have been more than a historical event—it was a time to honor God’s deliverance and faithfulness. The holiday commemorates the miracle of the menorah oil lasting eight days from a single day’s worth, and this miracle and other proofs of God’s power became important in Jesus’ teachings. Jesus celebrated Hanukkah to honor God’s miracles and the significance of renewing one’s faith, which is also central to Christian belief.
Ways to Embrace Hanukkah as a Christian
While it is a distinctly Jewish holiday, Christians can embrace Hanukkah through its light, faith, and dedication. It is an opportunity to find new ways to connect with God’s miracles and deepen their spiritual journey.
Here are some ways you can embrace Hanukkah as a Christian:
Dedication and Prayer
Use Hanukkah as a time of personal and communal rededication. Just as the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, take this time to renew your commitment to God and His teachings. Engage in prayer, asking for strength and guidance to live out your faith more fully. This time of dedication can be an opportunity to enrich your bond with God for the coming year.
Acts of Service
Emulate the spirit of Hanukkah by performing acts of kindness and service. Dedicate time to volunteer work, helping those in need, and spreading the light of Christ through your actions. This not only honors the spirit of Hanukkah but also aligns with Christian teachings of love and service. Acts of service can be simple yet profound ways to reflect God’s love and light in the world. Additionally, consider supporting the people of Israel during this meaningful time. By making a donation to help the people of Israel, you can provide much-needed assistance and show solidarity with those who continue to preserve the traditions and heritage of Hanukkah. Your generosity can help bring light and hope to those in need, echoing the miraculous provision and care that Hanukkah celebrates.
Ray Bentley, Senior Pastor of Maranatha Chapel in San Diego, CA
Learn More About Hanukkah
Discover the history of Hanukkah, how it’s celebrated today, and traditional recipes for the Jewish holiday in our What is Hanukkah? — A Season of Miracles and Light resource page.
