December 23, 2024
What Christians can understand about Hanukkah
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What can Christians understand about Hanukkah?
Why is Hannukah important to the Jewish people?
Hanukkah is the story of the Jewish people fighting against all odds to preserve their faith, identity, and their survival. More than two thousand years ago, the Jewish people stood against a powerful empire that sought to erase their way of life, practices, and traditions. And yet, the Jewish people emerged victorious. Their victory was not merely a military victory but a spiritual one.
The History of Hannukah
In the second century BCE, Israel was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who tried to force the Jews to accept Greek culture and beliefs instead of Torah observance. King Antiochus IV desecrated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and turned it into a site of pagan worship.
Against all odds, a small band of faithful but poorly armed Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated Antiochus, who led one of the mightiest armies on earth, ultimately driving the Greeks from the land.
In the aftermath of this victory, the Maccabees regained control over the Holy Temple.
The Miracle of Hannukah
When the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, they sought to rededicate it and rekindle the Menorah, a sacred lamp that symbolized God’s presence. However, they found only enough pure oil to burn for one day.
Miraculously, this oil lasted for eight days, allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.
This miracle became the foundation of Hanukkah, which means “dedication.”
Hanukkah Traditions
At the heart of Hanukkah is the Menorah. Jewish families light their candles for eight nights, adding one more light each evening until rooms are aglow with all eight flames. The Menorah is a powerful symbol: light triumphing over darkness, hope overcoming despair.
The festival is also marked by simple, joyful traditions connecting families to the oil miracle. Foods fried in oil, like latkes (crispy potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (sweet jelly donuts), are eaten in celebration. Children play with dreidels, spinning tops inscribed with Hebrew letters stating: “A Great Miracle Happened There.”
Hanukkah: A Deeper Meaning This Year
This year, Hanukkah carries an even deeper meaning. As Jewish communities worldwide face a resurgence of antisemitism and violence, Hanukkah reminds us that resilience and faith are stronger than fear.
The Hanukkah candles symbolize light amidst the darkness, a symbolism that resonates profoundly in these troubling, uncertain times.
What can Christians learn from Hanukah?
As Christians, we affirm the miracles that God enacted throughout the Hebrew Bible.
This story takes place during the intertestamental period, the period between Malachi and Matthew. It shows that God was still at work in the world and was still preserving His people throughout that period.
Join Us
May we carry the joy of this time with us as we journey into the New Year. This Hannukah, please join us in prayer for a new era of peace across the Middle East and the world.