The Amazing LIGHT of Hanukkah
Hanukkah . . . as a mission reminder:
During December, it’s common to find many references to this Jewish holiday, especially as stores and schools attempt to be culturally sensitive to families who don’t celebrate Christmas. We usually see Hanukkah reminders in store windows, in the wrapping paper aisle, and even at the post office.
Hanukkah is a perfect time to share with our families about God’s love for the people of Israel and to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
In the history of Hanukkah (or Chanukah); types and shadows point to our Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the Light of the World and the Amazing LIGHT of Hanukkah. May each of us be lights for Him.
Mission-Minded Families in December
Follow the complete series < < <Dates of Hanukkah, 2018
The first day of Hanukkah in 2018 is December 2nd, meaning the first candle of the menorah is to be lit on the nightfall of the 2nd. The holiday extends for 8 days, ending December 10th, 2018.
Holiday Hanukkah reminders and decorations provide perfect “on-the-spot” teaching opportunities to talk with our children about the need to pray for the people of Israel, and to share how Jesus Christ came as God’s promised Messiah for the world.
As you see these decorations throughout your shopping times, take these moments to talk with your kids about loving the people of Israel and praying for their salvation.
We’ve learned a few interesting things about this Jewish holiday:
- Did you know there is a biblical reference to Hanukkah is in the New Testament?
- Did you know that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah?
- Did you know that Hanukkah is the feast of lights and the feast of dedication?
- Many aspects of this holiday point to the coming Messiah . . . and did you know that Jesus Christ completely fulfilled this celebration by being our Light of the world?
Hanukkah . . . in the Bible
“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.”
Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him.
Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?”
The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.”
John 10:22-33
Isn’t that exciting?
On this feast day, in the wintertime, Jesus declared His divinity!!!
Read the Bible selections that refer to Hanukkah, and talk with your children about how Jesus came to fulfill this celebration. He is our light of the world.
- John 10:22-33
- Matthew 20:28
- John 8:12
As you’re at the post office, deciding which holiday stamps to buy, take a moment to mention (to the post office worker, or to other people waiting in line next to you), “Did you know that in the Bible, it says that Jesus actually celebrated Hanukkah?” You can then share how Jesus Christ came to earth as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. He came as the Messiah of Israel and God’s Light of the WORLD!!!
Hanukkah Crafts Ideas:
Have your children make a few simple Hanukkah craft projects.
- Star of David Ornaments – Make two cardboard triangles and cover them with aluminum foil. Staple them together and add a ribbon. (Our children made these and hung them on our Christmas tree. See photo above.)
- Menorah – You can craft a simple wooden Menorah candle stick with nine (birthday) candles. (See the photo at the top of this post.)
- Blue stars – Anything with the Star of David, the color blue, or candles can make a Hanukkah reminder.
- Pinterest – Check out Harvest Ministry’s board on Pinterest — “Hanukkah Light” for more fun ideas we’ve found!
The Light of Hanukkah:
Here’s a short excerpt from the Jews for Jesus website blog. The article is entitled “The Light of Hanukkah” and it’s a good summary of the spiritual significance of Hanukkah and how it relates to Jesus as our Messiah:
The Hanukkah candles are traditionally lit by a special candle called the Shammash. Shammash is Hebrew for “servant.” In the shammash candle, we can see a symbol of our Messiah Jesus, for as the Gospel of Matthew says,
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
The shammash serves the other candles by bringing light to them. In the New Testament, Jesus is frequently referred to as “the Light,” and Jesus Himself once 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
Just as the shammash gives light to the other candles, Jesus came to give the world His Light. As we celebrate Hanukkah, it is good for us be reminded of that light each night as we light our menorahs. As believers in Y’shua (Jesus), Hanukkah should hold precious meaning to us. The miracles we celebrate at Hanukkah – the defeat of an enemy army, the oil lasting for eight days – show how God keeps His light burning in the hearts of His people, even when they face what seem to be impossible odds or situations. With God, all things are possible. His light cannot fail, or go out.
For the entire article on the Jews for Jesus website: “The Light of Hanukkah”
Have a Happy Hanukkah . . .
and a Mission-Minded Christmas!
Celebrating JESUS our LIGHT of the WORLD!
For celebration details and answers to common questions regarding Hanukkah (Chanukah) from a Jewish perspective, look here.
More articles on having a Mission-Minded Christmas.
Anders Branderud,
WOW!!!
I really appreciate your detailed and informative comment, and your interaction. My audience is primarily Christian, so from the perspective of most of my readers, the word “scripture” is often used interchangeably with the word “biblical” as referring to the Holy Bible (see NOTE below). In regards to a post about a Jewish holiday, I definitely should have clarified my words more appropriately; instead of saying the only “scriptural” reference to Hanukkah is in the New Testament, I should have said “the only biblical reference…” You definitely sound far-more-educated than I am, and very knowledgeable too.
I’m grateful for your input . . . and for your kind spirit.
It has been a joy to learn about the celebration of Hanukkah with our children (even at such an introductory level!!!). Our family has a deep love for the nation of Israel, and for Jewish people throughout the world, which we believe are “God’s chosen people – and very highly beloved by Him.” When my parents recently visited Israel, it was a life-long dream come true, and someday I hope to walk myself in that promised land! I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and believe God’s promise to Abraham (from Genesis 12) that through the people of Israel, all nations of the world will be blessed. Personally, I have been deeply blessed by the nation of Israel. I love reading about Jewish history in the Old Testament, I love reading about the Patriarchs, singing from the Psalms of David, and studying the Proverbs of Solomon, and learning about heroes of the faith such as Esther, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Joshua.
May God’s blessings be upon you and all your loved ones.
With love and sincere gratitude,
Ann
NOTE: In the article, I just changed the word “scriptural” to “biblical”; as a website primarily geared to a Christian audience, I was specifically referring to the Bible, as in the Old & New Testament, 66 books from Genesis to Revelation.
Hello!
You wrote: “Did you know the only scriptural reference to Hanukkah is in the New Testament?”
You equate NT with Tan’’kh (the Jewish Bible). I want to discuss that.
What I think is of interest to you is that Ribi Yehoshua ha-Mashiakh, was according to a logical analysis of the earliest manusscripts (proved by the logical implications of Dead Sea Scroll 4Q MMT, which demonstrates that the Jewish community (this does not include Hellenist “Jews” as Paul) was fully dedicated to Torah) of what later was redacted to “Matthew”, a Torah-practising Yehudi (hellenized to “Jew”), who all his life practised Torah (the instructions of the Creator found in Tan’’kh (the Jewish Bible)) non-selectively.
This implies that his followers didn’t regard NT as scripture, since statements as Joh 3:16 (why that is the case you will find in Netzarim) contradicts Torah.
All the best, Anders Branderud
I wish I would have noticed this posting prior to school being out (the 18th)! Especially when they were teaching our boys songs about Hanukkah. Thank you! I am going to read this to the boys now! I will be sure to let others know about this post as well.
Merry CHRISTmas!
Barb
Jen,
I’m glad you liked the craft. I appreciate craft projects that kids can do totally by themselves, or ones that are very easy, fun, and not too messy!
Christmas blessings to you and your family!
Ann
Love the craft! So easy and nice.
.-= Jen~Beautiful Mess´s last blog ..FESTIVUS =-.
Erin & Kristi – Thanks for the comments, and for referring others to this article. JESUS is our LIGHT of the WORLD!!!
God bless you both, and your families!
Thank you so much for this post! We are celebrating Hanukkah for the first time this year, and it is such a blessing! 🙂
.-= Erin @ Closing Time´s last blog ..I’m Impressed! =-.
Loved this!! Thank you for the wonderful ideas and information -heading over to read the full Hanukkah article now!
.-= Kristi_runwatch´s last blog ..Sweet cookies, sweet moments… =-.