Thoughts on Hanukkah 2024

Matt 4:16

 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

This year (2024) the first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas. This has not happened in over 2 decades and only 4 times in the past century. Hanukkah is often referred to as the Festival of Lights and celebrates a miracle that happened to the Jewish people. In the 2nd century BC the Jewish people were under the oppressive rule of Antiochus IV. He defiled the temple by sacrificing pigs to foreign gods on the holy altar and extinguished the menorah which had been burning for centuries. A small band of brothers, the Maccabees from the line of Aaron rose up to fight the oppression. Miraculously with 2,000 men fighting 20,000, they were able to regain the temple from the rule of Antiochus IV.

When they attempted to relight the menorah there was only enough oil to keep the candles lit for 1 day but another miracle occurred and the oil lasted for 8 days!

As we reflect on Hanukkah we see a foreshadowing of Jesus. The festival of Lights and the nightly lighting of the candles points us to Jesus who would become the light of the world. Hanukkah tells of the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people and Jesus would be the deliverer for all people from sin and death. As we remember how a small band of brothers defeated evil against immense odds we remember Romans 8:37 which states: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. So as you celebrate Christmas this year remember to also reflect on the Festival of Lights which points us to Jesus who is the Light of the World!

Matthew 4:16

 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.