Even though we are in the darkest time of the year, it is a beautiful season of bright lights. Everywhere you look, the homes and stores have Christmas décor with greenery and lighting. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus, the lights remind us of what Jesus said about himself in John 8:12,
“I am the light of the world. The one who follows Me will no longer walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (TLV)
Further in the book of John in chapter 10, we read that Jesus was in Jerusalem, at the Temple during the Feast of Dedication. What was this feast, and why do we not see it mentioned elsewhere in Scripture? The reason is that feast is better known to us today as Hanukkah or Chanukah. This feast is also frequently called the Festival of Lights or the Feast of the Maccabees. On the Jewish calendar, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Kislev 25 and continues for eight days. On the Gregorian calendar, it can start as early as late November, but generally coincides with the month of December.
Historically, in 168 BC Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the king of the Seleucids (the Syrian portion of the Greek Empire), invaded Judea, outlawed the Jewish religion, and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods. Later in that year, his soldiers descended upon Jerusalem, massacring thousands of people. In 167 BC, he personally entered the Second Temple (built under the governorship of Zerubbabel) and then desecrated it by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs within its sacred walls. Led by the Jewish priest Mattathias and his five sons, a large-scale rebellion broke out against Antiochus IV and the Seleucids. When Mattathias died in 166 BC, his son Judah, known as Judah Maccabee (which means “the Hammer”), took over the rebellion, and within two years the Jews had successfully driven the Seleucids out of Jerusalem. But because the Temple had been desecrated, they sought to clean it and rededicate it to the Lord. They found only a single container that was still sealed by the High Priest, with enough oil to keep the menorah in the Temple lit for only a day. Though its quantity seemed sufficient only for one day’s lighting it lasted for eight days owing to the blessing of God who had established his name there.
Scripture tells us, that when we have accepted the light of Jesus to deliver us from the darkness of this world, then we become the temple of God as his Spirit comes to dwell in us. (I Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:16) How are we letting God’s light shine through us into the darkness of the world around us? Are there choices we have made that has allowed the enemy to invade our hearts, minds, and bodies bringing his darkness? When the Maccabees took back the temple, they rededicated it to God and lit the lampstand. I encourage you to set aside this beautiful time, to do exactly that before we cross into a new year. Rededicate your temple and let your light shine. Ask for a fresh anointing of God’s Spirit to fill you with his loving presence. Then let it flow to others around you, drawing them to the light of Jesus.
Steps in Pursuit
- Repentance and faith bring the believer supernatural cleansing and times of refreshing, as mentioned in Acts 3:19. Ask God to reveal areas of your temple that need cleansing.
- Candles are lit in homes celebrating the Festival of Lights. Consider using candles during this season to be a reminder of the light we are to be to the world.
- The Hallel (Psalms 113-118) is a prayer of thanksgiving on Jewish holidays in which these Psalms are recited. Use these passages to spend time thanking God for his faithfulness in your life.
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus told his followers,
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (NIV)
Blessings of light and love to you and your families this holiday season!
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
