To most non-Jewish Americans, Hanukkah is nothing more than a holiday listed on the calendar. I daresay that most people know nothing about the meaning of this holiday. I certainly did not, until recently.
Although its origin is not biblical, Hanukkah has an interesting history. It is linked to the Intertestamental Period. The Intertestamental Period covers what are often called the “400 Silent Years,” the time between the Old Testament and the New Testament. During this time, it was as though God’s voice was silent.
But the political, religious, and cultural climate was changing, setting the stage for the arrival of the Messiah. It was events that occurred during these 400 Silent Years that provided the origin of Hanukkah. Enjoy Imelda's article.
Guest Blogger: Imelda Quibin
The first celebration after the high-holidays among the Jews is the Chanukah or the Feast of Light. It is not a type of Jewish Christmas, even though it falls on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which roughly coincides with the month of December.
Rather it is a commemoration of the victories of the Maccabees, the family that was successful in restoring the Temple after Antiochus Epiphanes allowed the sacrilegious offering of swine there.
Brief History
Antiochus Epiphanes, ruler of the Seleucid Empire, was determined to impose Hellenism upon the Jews. He wanted everyone under his domain to worship pagan gods.
When he met resistance in Judea, he made Judaism illegal.
The fight to reclaim Jewish religious autonomy began in 167 BC. In the town of Modi'in an elderly priest named Mattathias refused an order to sacrifice to an idol. When an apostate Jew stepped forward to comply, Mattathias killed the man and tore down the altar. Then he and his five sons took to the hills and launched a guerilla war against the armies of the empire.
When Mattathias died, his third son, Judah Maccabee, took command. He and his band of fighters were impossibly outnumbered, yet they won one miraculous victory after another.
In 164 BC, they recaptured the Temple, cleansed, purified, and rededicated it to God. That is the first miracle they miraculously won, until they completely reclaimed their religious rights.
Menorah – The Candelabra
In the Old Testament tabernacle, the menorah represented the Divine Presence. It had seven wicks and seven always represents perfection in the Bible.
In my curiosity I asked my employer, a 96-year-old lady, “What is the miracle behind Chanukah?” She simply said, “The miracle is that the olive oil they used to light the menorah in the temple during the rededication lasted for eight days. It was so little oil that they only expected it to last one day.”
So, as a result of this traditional story, the Jews redesigned the menorah, making a special Chanukiah lamp, with nine wicks. For eight days they light the menorah, using the ninth to help light the others.
For me, it is true that if you serve and worship the Lord with faith, a "miracle" will come to your life. It does not matter to the Lord how many times we fall. What matters to Him is that we humble ourselves each time we fall.
Food
During Chanukah you can see donuts of all sorts in the bakeries, since they are deep-fried in oil. (Sad to say I cannot find my favorite flavor: Bavarian ang buko pandan!) There are no donut stores here. Donuts are only cooked during Chanukah.
During this time, the Jews eat fried goodies which have much oil. (Some people also prepare potato "latkes.") Some Jews religiously eat donuts every day for eight days to catch the blessing of Chanukah.
My Personal Reflection
Working in a country far away from my home and family is not easy, especially during religious holidays like Christmas. I have been asking my employer for a break during the Christmas season, but to no avail yet. I know the Lord Jesus sustains us here in the Holy Land.
But during Christmas my employer was considerate to give me time off December 24th and 25th. I went to Bethlehem to pray in solitude. It was so nice to be in the presence of the Lord, who gave us all we need on this earth, and His Word for our spiritual food. Miracles, miracles in Jesus! Blessing after blessing!
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