Dec 1, 2020
Hanukkah, the Jewish “Festival of Lights,” may be best known for the lighting of the menorah and the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days in the Temple following the Maccabean revolt. But the true heart of the Hanukkah celebration is the cleansing of the altar and the rededication of the Temple after this small group of Jewish farmers had defeated their enemies. Just as there are eight candles burning on the menorah during the celebration of Hanukkah, there are at least eight good reasons for Christians to celebrate Hanukkah.
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Show Notes:
Here are EIGHT REASONS why Christians may wish to celebrate Hanukkah this year:
- Because Hanukkah is found in the Bible. It’s a biblical feast and celebration of the Jewish people. In John 10:22 we see that Christ engaged in the celebration of Hanukkah.
- Because we all need times for a new dedication and recommitment of ourselves to God and to a deeper level of service to the Lord.
- Because once again the land of Israel is under the leadership of the Jewish people. This restoration was promised in the prophets, and Christians should celebrate that we are yoked together with Israel and the Jewish people.
- Because Hanukkah foreshadows the days of the complete fulfillment of the messianic prophecies, where we see God’s kingdom and God’s rulership on earth as it is now in heaven.
- Because celebrating Hanukkah looks forward to the end of anti-Semitism, persecution and the desecration of Jewish people in our day and age.
- Because as Christians we should join with Jewish people in the bold proclamation of their faith by celebrating Hanukkah.
- Because we are showing our oneness today with Judaism, with the State of Israel, and with the Jewish people everywhere that remain in the Diaspora as our elder brothers in the faith.
- Because in celebrating Hanukkah we reconnect ourselves with the Jewish Jesus and return to our Hebrew roots—to recognize them, to be thankful for them, to engage with them, and to learn more deeply the ways that were the ways of Jesus.
Key Verse:
- John 10:22-24. “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. The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, ‘How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.’”
Quotes:
- “We should live our lives as Christians in oneness with the Jewish people in their fight against anti-Semitism, because their fight is our fight.”
- “As Christians celebrating Hanukkah, we can celebrate the bold proclamation of Jews down through the centuries that say, ‘We will not bow down to the idolatry of this age.’”
- “There’s something very important in the coming together of Christians and Jews in today’s world. Hanukkah can be a bridge for us to see that happen.”
Takeaways:
- Go back and read the book of Maccabees, the Jewish encyclopedia, and the other sources to find out for yourself what was done and how it was done—so that Hanukkah will create in you a oneness with our Jewish brothers and sisters.
- Take time in this holiday season to open your heart, your mind, and your spirit to reconnect through the celebration of Hanukkah with the Jewish roots of our faith so that you will find something new and alive in your own Christian experience.
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I am an expert in religious studies, particularly with a focus on the interconnection between Judaism and Christianity. My knowledge extends to various historical and biblical aspects of these faiths, providing me with a well-rounded understanding of their traditions, celebrations, and theological foundations. Allow me to delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about Hanukkah and its relevance to Christians:
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Hanukkah in the Bible:
- The article emphasizes that Hanukkah is found in the Bible, specifically citing John 10:22, where Christ is depicted engaging in the celebration of Hanukkah. This verse serves as evidence of the festival's biblical roots.
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Dedication and Recommitment:
- It suggests that Christians should celebrate Hanukkah as a time for a new dedication and recommitment to God. This aligns with the central theme of Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededication of the Temple by a group of Jewish farmers after their victory in the Maccabean revolt.
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Restoration of the Land of Israel:
- The article highlights the restoration of the land of Israel to the Jewish people and connects it to the prophetic promises in the Bible. This reflects a deeper theological understanding of the significance of Israel in the Christian faith.
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Foreshadowing Messianic Fulfillment:
- It suggests that Hanukkah foreshadows the complete fulfillment of messianic prophecies, anticipating the establishment of God's kingdom and rulership on earth. This draws parallels between Hanukkah and Christian eschatological beliefs.
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End of Anti-Semitism:
- Christians are encouraged to celebrate Hanukkah as a way of looking forward to the end of anti-Semitism, persecution, and the desecration of Jewish people. This reflects a commitment to unity and solidarity with the Jewish community.
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Proclamation of Faith:
- Hanukkah is presented as an opportunity for Christians to join Jewish people in boldly proclaiming their faith. This aligns with the idea of Christians expressing solidarity with the Jewish community in their commitment to their beliefs.
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Oneness with Judaism:
- Celebrating Hanukkah is framed as a way for Christians to show their oneness with Judaism, the State of Israel, and the Jewish people worldwide. This emphasizes a sense of shared heritage and spiritual connection.
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Reconnecting with Jewish Roots:
- The article underscores the importance of celebrating Hanukkah as a means for Christians to reconnect with the Jewish Jesus and return to their Hebrew roots. This involves recognizing, being thankful for, and engaging with the shared historical and religious roots of both faiths.
The key verse, John 10:22-24, serves as a biblical reference supporting the argument that Hanukkah has significance within the Christian tradition. Additionally, the quotes and takeaways provide practical suggestions for Christians to deepen their understanding and connection with the Jewish faith through the celebration of Hanukkah.
