Hanukkah

HANUKKAH

Psalm 77:14: “You are the God Who performs miracles; You display Your power among the peoples.”

Sundown on December 4th will usher in the eight days of celebrating Hanukkah. (Chanukah, Hannukah.) There is nothing in the Bible about this “Festival of Lights”, but the Jewish people celebrate this holiday every year.

Twenty one hundred centuries ago, well before the birth of Christ, a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth. They drove the Greeks from the land and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. In rededicating it to the service of God, they sought to light the menorah. There was only enough olive oil for one day. Miraculously, that one day supply burned for eight days.

Just as we Christians celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th, the Jewish people celebrate eight days of Hanukkah beginning December 5th.

Christians respect this festival and do not intrude on Hanukkah, just as the Jewish people honor our celebration of Christmas. These traditions bring to light the differences that separate our faiths. Although we do not have Biblical references for this holiday, there is no reason for Christians to be rude to people who celebrate Hanukkah. They are our brothers and sisters, and we are commanded by Jesus to love one another.

In the heart of this festival is the nightly menorah lighting. A single flame is lit the first night. Another flame is lighted on succeeding days until the eighth day when all the candles are aglow. You can see these proudly displayed menorahs on mantels and window sills during this season.

Hanukkah customs include reciting Hallel and Al HaNissim prayers. They offer praise and thanksgiving to God for delivering His people from the hands of the Greeks. They also celebrate by eating foods fried in oil. Batkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (doughnuts), for example. Playing with the dreidel (a spinning top on which Hebrew letters are inscribed) are traditions observed by Jewish people. Also, it’s customary to give gifts of money to children.

Take Home Nugget
What similarities can you see that compare or contrast Hanukkah and Christmas? Can you open your heart into accepting Hanukkah as a holiday for people who are different from you?

We cling to our traditions learned years ago
But there are others whose rites we do not know.
Teach us love and patience, Lord
Hearts open, acceptance stored.

J.D. Griffith

Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Hanukkah
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff

For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.

Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/