Shining Lights and Sacred Nights: The Christian Significance of Hanukkah

The Old Testament Israelites had nine basic feasts that they celebrated annually. Seven of those were given by God to the Israelites and, therefore were prophetic as they looked to future promises. These seven are relevant to Jews and Christians alike. Christians believe that the Messiah has come and with the establishment of the Lord’s church on earth with that said, four of those feasts have been fulfilled. This leaves three more feasts to come. We can get into this fascinating topic at another time.

Why just seven?

Leviticus 23 lists these seven feasts in their seasonal observance: Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Booths or Tabernacles.

There are two other feasts the Israelites celebrated that are not listed in Leviticus 23. These two “commemorative feasts” were established by the Israelites and not by God. They are more like a memorial of what God did. The two feasts are Hannukah and Purim. 

Purim marks the joyful observance of the Jews' deliverance from the threat of annihilation in the Persian city of Susa. Chronicled in the Book of Esther, the narrative unfolds with the courageous Queen Esther, her uncle Mordecai, King Ahasuerus, and the malevolent Haman. Brimming with unforeseen twists and events, the story is a testament to resilience and divine intervention.

As we look at Hannukah next, remember, that the two feasts, Hanukkah, and Purim, are memorial celebrations of events that already took place and are more directly connected to Israel alone. As of now, this is the season for Hanukkah. This year it begins at nightfall Dec. 7 and continues until nightfall Dec. 15, 2023.

What is so important about Hannukah?

In 164 BC, the Maccabees led a successful revolt against the Seleucid King, Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The revolt was started when Antiochus entered the Temple and sacrificed pigs in several different areas desecrating God’s sacred principles, horribly in the sight of the Jews. When the Maccabees regained the Temple, they cleansed it and lit the light in the menorah. As they were preparing to light the lamps, they found that all the oil had also been desecrated except one cruse of oil which was only enough for one night. The Talmud records that a great miracle took place in that the oil lasted for 8 nights which left enough time to prepare some more sacred oil. 

While Hanukkah doesn’t have the same prophetic significance to Christians as some of the other Jewish feasts there are some significant hints we can gain from its celebration. As our Jewish friends celebrate this year consider how we might join in a celebration.

1.     This is a celebration of the rededication and cleansing of the temple. As Christians, we are the temple. Has some dust or debris accumulated in your body, soul, or spirit?  Has some of the daily life we once lived and followed crept in and profaned your temple? This is a great time to clean it up and rededicate it if necessary.

2.     In the Jewish celebration one light is used to light each of the others at their proper time. Take a moment and meditate on the statement Jesus made in John 8:12.

“Then Jesus again addressed them and said,” I am the light of the world. Whoever continues to follow Me need never walk in darkness, but he will have the light of God.” John 8:12 TLNT

 During the Feast of Tabernacles, four large bowls of oil reported to be seventy-three feet tall were set ablaze in the court of women. They could be seen for miles. These were to represent the pillar of fire that led the Israelites while in the desert. Standing within the vicinity of these flaming bowls, Jesus declared He was the light of the world. He is the servant light used to light each of us in turn. How is your light shining? Do you need to trim your wick from the debris and chaos of the world around you?

We are also reminded of the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25: 1-13.

“But the thoughtful ones answered, ‘, no, there may not be enough for you and us. Go to the sellers and buy your own oil.” Matthew 25: 9 TLNT

 Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. He is the source of light in us. How is your oil level?  Do you need to empty your jar of the old oil that has now become tainted and will not burn as pure?  Do you need to re-fill your jar with pure fresh oil?

 As we celebrate, let's embrace this time for cleansing the body, soul, and spirit, rededicating the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit within us. In the words of Matthew 25:13, let's keep watch, for we do not know the day or the hour. Keep the lamp lit! 

“So, you must keep on watching, for you do not know either the day or the hour.” Matthew 25:13 TLNT

Lead Editor Profile: Dr. Leonard Hoffman

With an illustrious academic and spiritual journey spanning over four decades, Dr. Leonard Hoffman serves as the editor-in-chief of the Time Line New Testament Bible. His diverse roles have seen him wear many hats—evangelist, missionary, founder of congregations, senior pastor, and esteemed international theological educator. His fervor for imparting knowledge has led him to conduct pastoral training seminars across Central and South America as well as in the Philippine Islands.