Yeshua observed Hanukkah.
Im putting this article here not to try to say we must observe Hanukkah. Its to calm some peoples fears that it may be some strange cultic thing. It was Jewish history and was observed as a holy time in Yeshua's day. He apparently observed it himself.
The song by Peter, Paul, and Mary is my own way of observing it.
Internet Article
HANUKKAH: FEAST OF DEDICATION, FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, his empire was divided by his
generals. Israel was a bone of contention, because of its strategic location between
the kingdoms of Syria to the north and Egypt to the south. After changing hands
several times, it was conquered by Antiochus the Great of Syria in 198 BC.
Antiochus IV, his son, succeeded him in 175 BC. He decided to launch a
campaign against Egypt before they retaliated for his father's conquest of Israel.
In order to consolidate his forces and present a united front against Egypt,
Antiochus IV instituted a form of religious and cultural totalitarianism. The
Jews, who persisted in their ways, were a thorn in his side. Antiochus IV replaced
the high priest Onias with his Greek-minded brother, Joshua, who changed his
name to Jason. A radical policy of Hellenization was inaugurated. A Greek
gymnasium was constructed, Greek customs were propagated, and Greek athletics
were encouraged among the priests.
Many of the upper class and many priests went along with these policies, but pious
Jews known as the Hasidim kept Jewish practices. Antiochus established a state
religion of Zeus worship and declared himself the visible incarnation of the deity,
“Epiphanes,” god manifest. He then issued a decree prohibiting, on pain of death,
any expression of Torah observance such as circumcision. The temple and
priesthood were compelled to serve pagan religion. Greek gods were brought into
the temple. An altar to Zeus was erected and pigs were sacrificed to the idol.
Meanwhile in the little village of Modein northwest of Jerusalem, an aged priest,
Mattathias, lived with his five sons John, Simon, Judah, Eleazar and Jonathan.
An emissary from Antiochus IV called upon Mattathias to make the pagan
sacrifice, but he refused. When another of his townsmen stepped forward to do it,
the aged priest struck him down, also killed the king's emissary and began to lead
a revolution.
Mattathias died in 166 BC, so his son Judah, nicknamed Maccabeus (the
hammer), took his place. He lead a guerilla war against the Syrian Greeks. In
spite of overwhelming odds they won a victory. The temple was regained in 165
BC and rededicated. Hanukkah means “dedication.” Tradition says a one-day
supply of ritual oil used in the temple miraculously lasted eight days. That is why
the menorah has eight branches plus the shamash (servant light) and why the
festival lasts eight days.
Hanukkah is a joyful time. Special foods are prepared. The oil used to fry the
traditional potato pancakes, or latkes, is reminiscent of the oil in the temple. In
Israel sufganiyot (doughnuts) are fried. The children are given gelt (gifts of
money, chocolate coins or presents). The nine-branched candelabra called the
Hanukkiah (Hanukkah menorah) is lit at dusk. Each day an additional candle is
lit until all eight plus the shamash are lit on the last evening. A blessing is recited
and the traditional song Maoz Tsur or (Rock of Ages) is sung. During this festival
children play a gambling game with a top known as a dreydel. Each of the top's
four sides have a Hebrew letter. The letters are said to represent the Hebrew words
meaning “a great miracle happened here.” The central themes of Hanukkah are
God's miraculous deliverance of His people, His provision, light, and the
dedication of the temple.
HANUKKAH FULFILLED
We are told in John 10:22 that Jesus was walking in the Temple area at
Hanukkah. This is the only direct mention of Hanukkah in the whole Bible! The
people asked “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell
us plainly.” Jesus said, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do
in my Father's name speak of me...I and the Father are one.” John's reference to
Hanukkah is no coincidence. The people were looking for a deliverer like the
Maccabees to free them from Rome. This hope was on people's minds especially
during Hanukkah. However, a greater deliverance was coming. God himself was
in their midst, and His agenda for Israel's salvation was infinitely greater than
liberation from Rome.
Isaiah prophesied: “...in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the
way of the sea, along the Jordan — The people walking in darkness have seen a
great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has
dawned...For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will
be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (9:1,2 & 6). Through the birth of a child,
something weak and small, God would provide deliverance for His people! God
would send His light into a world of spiritual darkness, first be seen in Galilee,
where Jesus began his earthly ministry. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world;
he who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”
(
John 8:12). He is the servant light who gives his light to us. Messiah cleanses
us and dedicate us to God so that we can be His spiritual Temple.
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