Hanukkah (Dedication)

“And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.” John 10:22-23

The Jewish Feast of Dedication (or Feast of Lights) begins on the eve of the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev and lasts eight days. It usually falls in December. It was Judas Maccabaeus who proclaimed this festival to be observed by Jews in 165 B.C. After a three-year struggle, the Jews in Judea had defeated the Syrian tyrant, Antiochus. They cleansed the Temple of Syrian idols and rededicated it to God. However, they could find only one small cruse of oil with which to light their holy lamps. Miraculously, the cruse provided oil for eight days!

Each Jewish home usually has a menorah, which is a special type of candelabra. On each of the eight nights, another candle is lit until, at the end of the feast, all stand lighted together, annually reminding God’s people of His divine provision. With joy and thanksgiving, gifts are exchanged and contributions are made to the poor.

Rededicate YOUR temple to the Holy Spirit this Christmas season by lighting the lamp of your desire to walk holy before God. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (I Corinthians 3:16)

PRAY: “Dear heavenly Father, Your light in my life brings joy and contentment.  I rededicate my whole body, soul, and spirit to you. Lead me in the paths of righteousness. Amen.”