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Saturday, December 10, 2011

QUESTION-SHOULD A CHRISTIAN CELEBRATE HANNUKAH (CHRISTMASKAH)?




Question: "Should a Christian celebrate
Hanukkah (Christmaskah)?"


Answer:
Chanukkah (or Hanukkah) is the Jewish Festival/Feast of
Dedication, also known as the "Festival of Lights.” It is an eight-day
festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev,
which typically falls in November or December on our calendar.
Although this Jewish festival in not mentioned in the Tanakh (the
Hebrew Bible), it is referenced in the Talmud: “On the 25th of Kislev
are the days of Chanukkah, which are eight... these were appointed
a Festival with Hallel [prayers of praise] and thanksgiving” (Shabbat
21b, Babylonian Talmud).

Chanukkah is probably one of the best-known Jewish holidays, not
because of any great religious significance, but because of its
proximity to Christmas. Many non-Jews think of this holiday as the
Jewish Christmas, adopting many of the Christmas customs, such
as elaborate gift-giving and decoration. Because of this, it is ironic
that this holiday, which has its roots in a revolution against
assimilation and the suppression of Jewish religion and people,
has become the most assimilated, secular holiday on the Jewish
calendar.

The holiday of Chanukkah celebrates the events which took place
over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is now Israel. It
begins in the reign of Alexander the Great, who conquered Syria,
Egypt, and Palestine, but allowed the lands under his control to
continue observing their own religions and retain a certain degree
of autonomy. Under this relatively benevolent rule, many Jews
assimilated much of Hellenistic culture, adopting the language,
the customs, and the dress of the Greeks, in much the same way
that Jews in America today blend into the secular American
society.

More than 100 years after Alexander, Antiochus IV rose to power
in the region. He began to oppress the Jews severely, placing a
Hellenistic priest in the Temple, massacring Jews, prohibiting the
practice of the Jewish religion, and desecrating the Temple by
requiring the sacrifice of pigs (a non-kosher animal) on the altar.
One of the groups which opposed Antiochus was led by Mattathias
(Matitiyahu) the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee
(“The Hammer”).

This small band of pious Jews led guerrilla warfare against the
Syrian army. Antiochus sent thousands of well-armed troops
to crush the rebellion, but the Maccabees succeeded in driving
the foreigners from their land. According to historical accounts,
Jewish fighters entered Jerusalem in December 164 BC. The
Holy Temple, the Jewish religious center, was in shambles,
defiled and desecrated by foreign soldiers.

The Maccabees cleansed the Temple and re-dedicated it on the
25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. When it came time to
re-light the Menorah (the multi-branched lampstand), they
searched the entire Temple, but only one small jar of oil bearing
the pure seal of the High Priest could be found. Miraculously,
the small jar of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply of oil
could be brought. From then on, Jews everywhere have observed
a holiday for eight days in honor of this historic victory and the
miracle of the oil. The observance of Chanukah features the
lighting of a special Chanukkah menorah with eight branches
(plus a helper candle), adding one new candle each night.

In the Brit Chadasha (The New Covenant), in the Gospel of John,
we learn that Jesus the Jewish Messiah was at the Holy Temple
during the “feast of dedication” or Chanukkah: “At that time the
Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter,
and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon”
(John 10:22-23).

During this great season of remembering miracles, Jesus pointed
out to His listeners that the miracles He had done authenticated
His claim that He was, indeed, the long-awaited Jewish Messiah
(see John 10:37-38). His works and His true character clearly
demonstrated who He was.

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not
walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12).
The Lord Jesus gives all of us, Jew and Gentile, the “light of life.”
And He commanded us to “Let your light shine before men in such
a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Should Christians celebrate Chanukkah today? First, be mindful of
the fact that we are under no obligation or “law” to celebrate any of
the Jewish festivals given to Israel in the Torah (Law of Moses).
But to all true Believers in Jesus Christ, especially those who have a
profound appreciation for the Hebraic roots of our Christian faith,
celebrating the “true light” of this world only seeks to glorify our
wonderful Lord and Savior.

As Christians, we can celebrate the “Festival of Lights” as we
rededicate our lives to Christ and acknowledge Him as the
perfect and true light of this world. As believers, when we
celebrate Chanukkah it reminds us of God's wonderful
miracles on our behalf. It reminds us of God's protection
throughout our lives. It reminds us to remain true to God
even when the world around us tries to force us into
assimilation.

Jesus told us that whoever follows Him will not have
darkness, but the Light of Life. What a wonderful time of
the year to remember and commemorate the great miracle
that God has done for us, by giving us new light and new life.

Recommended Resource: The Case for Christmas
by Lee Strobel.


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