Hanukkah in our Home
ByAt that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. John 10:22-23
Today my kiddos have been happily stringing lights all through our home, excitedly preparing for Hanukkah, which begins on a Sabbath this year, this Friday at sundown. Yes, we do love to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Light, and this will be our tenth year sharing this eight day celebration together as a family, as well as with friends! You may click here to see posts from some of our Hanukkahs past.
Our kids count it as their "favorite" holiday, as do I, appreciating the way it comes so softly every year, gently lighting the cold dark of winter with its myriad truths. It really does have so much intrinsic meaning for us as followers of Yeshua (Jesus). It's been such a spectacular yearly reminder of our heritage, full of spiritual object lessons and soul-stirring accounts of true heroism, self-sacrifice and dedication to personal purity, love for Adonai, and the cost of zeal for His Torah (the Word of God), the high-price that God's people have paid for freedom to worship in ages past, to protect their own rich heritage as heirs of Abraham, as well as our own by preserving from annihilation the very lineage that our Jewish Messiah would be born through almost two hundred years later!
There's also the character building lessons regarding when righteous indignation and rebellion against ruling authorities is necessary, and the powerful reminder to not underestimate the worth of our own lives in making a difference, how one person standing up for what is right and true can inspire others and to not give up (the battle was fought for years!), even in the face of the most horrible of persecutions, that we can make a difference if we stand for truth, and with God's help, even an entire race and nation can be saved by the courage of a few to begin to speak up and take action- definitely an evangelistic message (click here to read the story!)! There's also lots of new recipes for yummy food to eat, and games to play, all also with symbolic significance!
The same courageous spirit of the Maccabees who remained faithful to God during intense persecution was passed on to Jesus' disciples who would all face severe trails because of their faithfulness to Christ. And like the miracle of God's presence expressed through the eternal flame of God burning for the Maccabees, Jesus became the incarnate, physical expression of God's presence, the Light of the World, who came to dwell among us and give us the eternal light of God's life.
I cannot hardly even begin to enumerate the many details and worthy aspects of investigation of such a richly multi-faceted holiday in this one post. Therefore, I will share but a few points, along with quite a few links to recommended resources, just to sort of commemorate this decade of our being on this journey of learning together as a family, in hopes that your own walk will be encouraged, and to offer some direction if you are maybe even interested in learning more about Hanukkah and celebrating it yourself!
One of my favorite aspects of Chanukah is that it was likely the time of our Savior's very conception.
Was Jesus Conceived on Hanukkah?
Many believe that our Messiah, the “light of the world,” was conceived on the festival of lights—Hanukkah. The Bible does not specifically say the date of Jesus’ birth. It was not during the winter months because the sheep were in the pasture (Luke 2:8). A study of the time of the conception of John the Baptist reveals he was conceived about Sivan 30, the eleventh week (Luke 1:8-13, 24). Adding forty weeks, for a normal pregnancy reveals that John the Baptist was born on or about Passover (Nisan 14). Six months after John’s conception, Mary conceived Jesus (Luke 1:26-33); therefore Jesus would have been conceived six months after Sivan 30 in the month of Kislev—Hanukkah. Was the “light of the world,” conceived on the festival of lights? Starting at Hanukah, which begins on Kislev 25 and continues for eight days, and counting through the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy, one arrives at the approximate time of the birth of Jesus at the Festival of Tabernacles.
Setting the Scene
Each year we set the scene by reading the Hanukkah story, remembering the epic battle for freedom that those vastly outnumbered Jews took up arms to fight, guerilla-warfare style, against trained Syrian-Greek soldiers, and the miraculous story of their victory, a testament to Yah's faithfulness to His people and promises made to their (our) forefathers. As we read about the purifying and rededication of the desecrated altar within the Holy Temple of YHWH long ago, after the battle was won, we are reminded of our own personal, spiritual needs, the many ensuing battles against cultural assimilation that Believers face today. It is a time both solemn and celebratory, set aside for the conscientious rededication of our own hearts and lives to our Lord and Messiah every day.
Due to our recent move, most of our holiday books that we've been collecting over the years are still in storage, three hours away, and so this year, we are relying on internet resources and our local library. Chris came home yesterday with this gem, Understanding Jewish Holidays and Customs: Historical and Contemporary, from which I quote,
...to know just what Chanukah means to every Jew and indeed to every free person, no matter what his race, religion, or creed, it is important to set the scene for this stirring episode of history. And to do that, you have to turn the time machine back well over two thousand years.
This concept of religious and spiritual freedom (which we have in our Messiah), as well as the importance of our mindful rededication of our heart/life to Adonai, is beautifully put to words and music in my favorite Chanukah song by Marty Goetz, found on his Festivals of Light album.
Chanukah Music and Lyrics by Marty Goetz ©1997 Singin’ in the Reign Music/ASCAP Make my life Your temple L-rd at this season start To pull down every idol I have raised up in my heart Chorus: On this Chanukah On this Feast of Dedication I dedicate myself to You Take my defiled altar Come and cleanse and come repair So every time I falter I can run to meet you there Chorus Bridge: And with every candle on the menorah That illuminates the night Comes a prayer You’d kindle In me Y’shua A desire for Your fire, for Your light Make of my mortal body A house worthy of Your name Rid me of what’s ungodly and every hidden thing of shame Chorus to Bridge Take my supply of oil Not enough to burn long I fear But, oh how I pray I may one day say “A great miracle happened here!” Chorus
Hanukkah also provides a very accessible means by which to teach about relevant end times concepts that we as Believers are facing even today.
End Times
The story of Hanukkah can be compared with end-time happenings described in the books of Revelation and Daniel. Antiochus is a type of the antichrist. Just as happened under the rule of Antiochus, Daniel prophesied in Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
The same powers promoted by Antiochus are in the world today. Worldwide immorality, and idolatry are the norm. We must come out and be separate. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. The deceiver stands waiting to devour in this present culture (2 Cor. 6:16-17).
Years ago, before I'd collected many Hanukkah resources, we began by simply reading the story of Hanukkah, which I printed out from here at torahtots.com. We also traditionally read the story of Chanah and here seven sons, which you can also find at torahtots.com (click here). Here's a short excerpt regarding Hanukkah from the aforementioned site;
Chanukah is a wonderful holiday of renewed dedication, faith, hope and spiritual light. It's a holiday that says: "Never lose hope."
Chanukah commemorates the victory, thru the miracles of Hashem, of a small band of Maccabees over the pagan Syrian-Greeks who ruled over Eretz Yisroel (Israel).
Chanukah has two meanings. First, and foremost, it means “dedication” because it was on Chanukah that the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) was purified and rededicated to the service of Hashem, in 165 BCE, after many years of pagan defilement. For more about Chanukah and "dedications" click here.
The other meaning gives us an easy way to remember the Hebrew date of the holiday: “Chanu” means “they rested”, and “Kah” (composed of the Hebrew letters for 25 - “Chof and Hay”) means “on the twenty fifth” (day of Kislev).
Chanukah is also called "The Festival of Lights" referring to the flames kindled on each night. It is also called "The Festival of Light" as Chanukah is the victory of the forces of "light" - which include faith and loyalty to Hashem and the Jewish tradition and the will to fight for these beliefs - over the forces of "darkness," represented by the hedonistic lifestyle of the ancient Syrian-Greeks.
We've also referred to the Hanukkah Readings for Eight Nights from one of my favorite resources, this Biblical Holidays book. Robin has made these eight devotional readings on light available here on her site (click here).
Hanukkah Favorites @ our Home!
Hanukkah Fun!
Besides decorating with lots of lights and candles, kindling lights of the hanukkiahs (special 9-branched Hanukkah menorrahs), learning and singing the Hanukkah blessings, exchanging gifts each night and enjoying story-reading/telling and quiet devotions over the years, we have also done lots of crafts (many found in various library books), artwork, gingerbread and sugar cookie baking and decorating, sufganiyot and potato latke-frying, dreidel-playing and just had tons of fun celebrating and making blessed memories, as we've been learning together more of our immense heritage as Believers in Yeshua, as we remember the importance of our Hebrew roots!
Let everyone who is zealous for the Torah and who stands by the covenant follow after me!
~ 1 Maccabees 2.27-28
Hanukkah Online Resources:
- The Festival of Chanukah @ hebrew4christians.com Wonderful helps, including the rules for playing the dreidel game (which we use m&m's for), along with a listing of Chanukah Torah readings, and candle lighting procedures.
- Hanukkah Color Pages
- Hanukkah Worksheets
- Hanukkah recipes
- Light In The Darkness, Hanukkah and the Disciples of Yeshua
- Light in the Darkness: Hanukkah and the Disciples of Yeshua *FREE* eBook gift!
- Why Hanukkah? 2009 from Following the Ancient Paths (Be sure and check out Lisa's links at the end of the post.)
- Why are Christians Celebrating Chanukah? from Robin Sampson of HeartofWisdom.com
- Concern Over Hebrew Ways? also rom Robin Sampson of HeartofWisdom.com
- Robin also recently wrote a great article on her blog here; 12 Things I Like and Don't Like About Christmas
- Chanukah 2009 @ aish.com Lots to read and explore there, including a handy-dandy Chanukah family guide!
- A great site for kids: Chanukah @ TorahTots.com
- Chanukah Kids Zone @ chabad.org
- Hanukkah: The Light is Messiah This entire book is available here to read for *FREE* from haydid.org
- Hanukkah, the Season of Miracles
- Finally, from my own archives; among my favorite Hanukkah memories, Our Own Hanukkah Miracle and Hanukkah~ a Festival of Light; our testimony and traditions
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I love the menorah that is a stone (I think) with the birthday candle holders, awesome.
May the light of Jesus burn brightly in your hearts and home!
Thank you Liese4! Actually, it’s a painted potato, and so we eventually had to throw them out (which I hated!). ;-( I like your idea of painting a stone though, so we could keep them, and then we could maybe glue the candle holders on? hmmm… it might work! Thanks for commenting. Blessings to you and yours during this beautiful season. ~
Love the photos. Great post thanks for sharing.
I had to giggle as I saw you have the same “AVON” Chanukiah I have! I am currently working on an outside one today!
Chag Samech!
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Don’t you understand how offensive it is for the Jews that Christians are “celebrating” Chanukkah and assigning Christian significance to it?
You are even teaching your children to do this!
I’m shocked and horribly sad.
Do read my blog entry on this and THINK! I will be praying you realize what you are doing and stop. There should be quite enough things to celebrate within Christianity that you don’t NEED to adopt others’ traditions and feasts.
You are not Jewish, you are Christian. The Old Testament has been replaced in its entirety with the New Testament. The Jews chose not to follow the same path with you, you shouldn’t try to jump between paths either. Jesus’ words should be enough for you. You don’t need to go looking for more things to fill up your December when you are waiting for Christmas anywhere, not from the Jews, not from the Muslims, not from the Pagans. The New Testament should be enough for you, and Chanukah isn’t even mentioned there.
10 years… so sad. May this year be the last.
Ketutar´s last blog ..Christians stealing again…
Ketutar,
Thank you for your concern, but I do believe that it’s misplaced. My intent is not to offend you, nor anyone else, yet sometimes one’s convictions simply are/can be offensive. And this is the truth as I’ve come to know it… No, I’m not Jewish, but my Messiah Yeshua/Jesus was, as was the majority of the early Church who DID keep the Biblical Feasts of the OT. I’m afraid that you have a gross misunderstanding of the NT if you think that it’s entirely “replaced” the OT… they are actually theologically inseparable.
To better understand what relevance the celebration of
Hanukkah might have to us as believers- in covenant with Jesus- I encouraged you to take the time to download and read this FREE ebook from ffoz.org. Light in the Darkness takes believers, step-by-step, through the traditional celebration of Hanukkah while revealing new Messianic meanings in the ancient festival.
And actually, just fyi, it is mentioned in the NT: At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. John 10:22-23 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “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
I was so fascinated to learn a couple of years ago that even where Jesus was when He described Himself as being “the Light of the World” – at the eastern collonade, “Solomon’s Porch” is significant in regards to the history behind Hanukkah! …not to mention His choice of analogy, comparing Himself to LIGHT DURING this “Festival of LIGHT”! I’d venture to say that His point was not lost on His audience who were there in the Temple celebrating this Feast at that time.
An excerpt from ch. 2 of the above book,
“Given that Hanukkah is a historically Jewish festival and that its celebration is not a mitzvah (commandment) of the Torah, why would believers in Yeshua celebrate it? Obviously Jewish believers may have a cultural affinity for the festival, but is there any real biblical significance? Is there any reason non-Jews might want to incorporate the celebration of Hanukkah into their homes? There is a reason, and it’s not just cultural. Yeshua kept Hanukkah.
This chapter will show the biblical basis for Hanukkah as prophesied in the book of Daniel, and it will explore the reason why Yeshua found the festival important enough to merit a special trip to the Temple.
The Master keeps the Feast of Hanukkah, “At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Yeshua was walking in the Temple in the portico of Solomon. ~ John 10.22-23
In the tenth chapter of the book of John, we find Yeshua at the Temple in Jerusalem during the festival of Hanukkah. This requires some investigation. We would not expect to find Him in Jerusalem at that time of year. Usually He is stomping around the Galilee with His disciples. Ordinarily He is only in Jerusalem for the three pilgrimage festivals of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. It is a surprise to see Him in Jerusalem at Hanukkah.”
I’ve had to split my reply to Ketutar into multiple replies since it has so many links in it, this is the only way WP would allow it.
You can rest assured Ketutar, I am thinking… and when I saw the comments that you left on Robin’s blog I winced as I even anticipated that you’d probably follow the link to my blog over here. Now I ask that if you truly want to discuss this, that you first take the time to read some more of the (many) links I’ve provided in various Feasts posts here on my blog…
Our Messiah is very much to be found in this Hebraic Festival of Light, which He Himself observed.
Also, as to where the church went wrong long ago… and how we lost so much knowledge of our Hebraic heritage over the centuries, check out this article with timeline.
And for the record, I am not waiting for Christmas… we celebrated our Savior’s birth during Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, which is when He was most likely born.
And I find it’s then also such a beautiful picture to realize that in turn, it’s probable that the Light of the World was actually even conceived during this Festival of Light… I find this is reason to celebrate, as a follower and lover of my very Jewish Messiah, Adonai incarnate!
And yes… I’ve thought often of how offensive it is to many Jews that we celebrate these Feasts… Yet I’ve also had the honor of not only knowing many Jews personally, but celebrating these Feast WITH them! For the record, there are many Jews who’ve come to know Yeshua as their Messiah, and in turn realize that us Gentiles have been grafted into the vine which is Yeshua, from the Root of Israel. We are actually spiritual heirs with Abraham, of the covenant Adonai made with him, according to the NT.
Love & Blessings to you Ketutar…
And for the record, I agree 100% with everything Robin said in her reply to you over on her post. http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/a-hanukkah-gift-for-you/
Thanks for all of this info Beth. I was looking for some info, because, with all the packing we are doing, we haven’t had a lot of time to do much for Chanukkah.
I hope to be able to do a little more tomorrow and the rest of the week.
Thank you also for your patience and explanation of why a gentile would celebrate this and the other feasts that the Jews claim to be their own. No disrespect meant, but the Feasts and Shabbat were given to all who will be Yahweh’s people, not just the Jewish tribe. Having a Jewish Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandmother (we just discovered), but being a Believer in Yahshua HaMeshiach, I am thankful we were led to this narrow path by Yahweh himself.
I mean, we have never studied the Jewish Ways and have discovered these ways in the Old Testament part of the Scriptures. For us, the Scriptures are not two parts that can ever be separated. They never have been to us. They are only complete together.
Anyway, as I said, thank you. May you be blessed and kept in him and may you have his peace in your home.
Shalom~
Jacque´s last blog ..Watchman’s Alert
You’re welcome Jacque, it’s my pleasure to share!
One of the nice things about Hanukkah, is that you get eight shots at it every year! LOL We usually keep it pretty simple… and there have been a few years that we weren’t able to light our hanukkiah every night. You can even use tea lite candles for your menorrah (just have the shamash/servant candle set apart in some way, raised up, or fancier votive, etc.). It’s always just been such a blessed time that our family so enjoys. I’m so glad for your family, excited to see/hear what He’s doing in your lives together as you’re following Him, and encouraged by your example, to continue digging deeper in His Word myself! I pray that your move is abundantly blessed!
And what a wonderfully fascinating/fun discovery regarding your family’s Jewish heritage!
Thank you for your thoughts, always love hearing them!
Everything just looks so lovely and perfect! How do you do it?
Birdie´s last blog ..‘Tis the Season…
Hi Birdie! Lovely and perfect?! Where? What ARE you referring to girlfriend?! LOL (lovely- maybe, but only because it’s *not* perfect… and thanks for thinking so btw… LOVE you, ever offering such sweet encouragement!)
Thanks so much for your post and encouragement! We had a WONDERFUL celebration week! We have decided to FOR SURE celebrate it every year! What a blessing!
You can see the highlights here:
http://workofheartandsoul.wordpress.com/2009/12/15/hanukkah09-part-1/
Great response to your critic! Blessings-
Tracy´s last blog ..Pearls of Wisdom