There seems to be so much contention in the world these days over such a little thing as how people greet each other this time of year. Some are quickly and severely offended by “Happy Holidays,” and insist on keeping “Christ” in Christmas thus believing “Merry Christmas” to be the only appropriate greeting. While I do not find myself offended by either greeting, I will typically lean towards “Happy Holidays.” As many prepare to celebrate Christmas this week, another holiday that is actually mentioned in the Bible begins on December 25th. That Holiday is the Jewish Holiday of Chanukkah.
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. John 10:22-23
In Jewish tradition Chanukkah is also referred to as “The Feast/Festival of Dedication” and The Festival of Lights”
The traditional story that led to the implementation of Chanukkah as a holiday is found in Macabees I and II. Which were written after Malachi, but before the time of Jesus and the writing of the Gospels.
In short it is the story of a group of brave Jews who revolted against an evil Persian king who had defiled the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. They overcame the king’s armies and took back the Temple. Having done so, they cleaned it up and prepared it for its traditional use. In the process only 1 days worth of the special oil needed for the Temples Menorah could be found. That one days worth of oil lasted 8 days, just exactly the amount of time required to make more. Thus, the tradition of lightning candles for eight nights. The story is not just about the physical practical restoration of the Temple, but of its spiritual rededication and more so the peoples dedicating themselves to God and to follow and serve Him. The Hebrew word Chanukkah Is translated to English as “Dedication.”
I know if I were you, I would be asking, “ OK, so what does this story and its celebration have to do with me as a believer?” My answer, “A LOT.”
Let’s take a brief look at each of the alternative names for Chanukkah. First, “Festival of Lights.” What does the scriptures and for that matter Jesus himself say about Him and “The Light?”
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:46
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.[9] The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 1:4-5, 9
However, Jesus didn’t stop at identifying himself as “The Light,” He also identified those who hear his voice and follow Him as “ The Light of the World.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
Now consider this, as you can see in this picture there is one candle set higher than all the others. Traditionally, that candle is called the “Shamash,” or “Helper” candle and it is the first candle lit and then it is used to light each of the others each day.
Now, I have to be honest, what I am about to share with you is a new revelation to me, but it is actually quite clear and understandable.
So the one candle is the “Helper.” Did Jesus not promise to send us a helper and advocate when He ascended and returned to the Father?
“When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, namely, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, He will testify about Me,” John 15:26.
So what is this profound revelation? Jesus, the Messiah, “The Light” lit the “Helper Candle”, Holy Spirit, then by the Holy Spirit “The Light” that was in Jesus has been shed abroad in our hearts and is in us.
‘For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ‘ Acts 1:5,8
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; [20] you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Just like the Macabees, this passage, among many others throughout the scriptures, urges us to dedicate ourselves fully and wholeheartedly to the Lord.
‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. ‘ Deuteronomy 6:5
[1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
[13] Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. Romans 6:13
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:15
Unfortunately, however, as mentioned above, at times due to our poor, selfish and sinful choices we let our light be dimmed and like the Greeks did to the literal Temple, we defile the temple that is our body, mind, soul, and spirit. As a result, just like the Macabees and again the literal Temple, we need to rededicate our lives to the Lord.
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. Proverbs 28:13-14
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:8-10
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the Lord has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. Isaiah 44:22-23 NIV
As we can see, the Lord not only calls us to confess, repent and fully dedicate ourselves to Him, he longs for us to do so. When, we do so because of the price that Jesus had already paid on behalf, the Almighty will forgive our sin and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.
My dear friends I hope and pray that as you remember and celebrate the coming of “The Light” you will pause and consider the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication. I pray you will take a moment and examine yourself and fully and completely rededicate all of who you are to Him and Jesus himself said, “put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
As I share this with you, this is the last day of Chanukkah for this year.
I pray that you will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country; blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.
In His Service,
Gary
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