Hanukkah . . . & JESUS, Our Light of the World!

In the history of Hanukkah, there are types and shadows that point to our Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is our light of the world . . . and as mission-minded families, we can be lights for Him.

Hanukkah . . . as a mission reminder:

During the month of December, it's common to find many references to this Jewish holiday, especially as stores and schools attempt to be culturally sensitive to those who don't celebrate Christmas. We usually see Hanukkah reminders in store windows, in the wrapping paper aisle, and even at the post office.

Dates of Hanukkah, 2009

The first day of Hanukkah 2009 is Saturday, December 12th, meaning the first candle is to be lit on Friday evening, December 11th. The holiday extends for 8 days, ending on December 19th, 2009.

Holiday Hanukkah reminders and decorations provide perfect "on-the-spot" teaching opportunities to talk with our children about the need to pray for the people of Israel, and to share how Jesus Christ came as God's promised Messiah for the whole world. As you see these decorations throughout your shopping times, take these moments to talk with your kids about loving the people of Israel and praying for their salvation.

Our family has recently learned a few interesting things about this Jewish holiday:

• Did you know the only biblical reference to Hanukkah is in the New Testament?
• Did you know that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah?
• Did you know that Hanukkah is the feast of lights and the feast of dedication?
• Did you know that Jesus Christ completely fulfilled this celebration by being our Light of the world? Many aspects of this holiday point to Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Hanukkah . . . in the Bible

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. The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, "How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly."

Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him.

Jesus answered them, "I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?"

The Jews answered Him, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God."

John 10:22-33

Isn't that exciting?

On this feast day, in the wintertime, Jesus declared His divinity!!!

Read the Bible selections that refer to Hanukkah, and talk with your children about how Jesus came to fulfill this celebration. He is our light of the world.

• John 10:22-33 
• Matthew 20:28 
• John 8:12

As you're at the post office, deciding which holiday stamps to buy, take a moment to mention (to the post office worker, or to other people waiting in line next to you), "Did you know that in the Bible, it says that Jesus actually celebrated Hanukkah?" You can then share how Jesus Christ came to earth as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. He came as the Messiah of Israel and God's Light of the WORLD!!!

Hanukkah Craft Ideas:

Have your children make a few simple Hanukkah craft projects.

Star of David Christmas Ornaments - Make two cardboard triangles and cover them with aluminum foil. Staple them together and add a ribbon. (Our children made these and hung them on our Christmas tree. See photo above.)

Menorah - Our son crafted a simple wooden Menorah candle stick with nine birthday candles. (See the photo below.)

The Light of Hanukkah:

Here's a short excerpt from the "Jews for Jesus" website blog. The article is entitled "The Light of Hanukkah" and it's a good summary of the spiritual significance of Hanukkah and how it relates to Jesus as our Messiah:

The Hanukkah candles are traditionally lit by a special candle called the shammash. Shammash is Hebrew for "servant." In the shammash candle, we can see a symbol of our Messiah Jesus, for as the Gospel of Matthew says,

"The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

The shammash serves the other candles by bringing light to them. In the New Testament, Jesus is frequently referred to as "the Light," and Jesus Himself once said,

"I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Just as the shammash gives light to the other candles, Jesus came to give the world His Light. As we celebrate Hanukkah, it is good for us be reminded of that light each night as we light our menorahs. As believers in Y'shua (Jesus), Hanukkah should hold precious meaning to us. The miracles we celebrate at Hanukkah - the defeat of an enemy army, the oil lasting for eight days - show how God keeps His light burning in the hearts of His people, even when they face what seem to be impossible odds or situations. With God, all things are possible. His light cannot fail, or go out.

Have a Mission-Minded Christmas . . .
and a Happy Hanukkah too!

Celebrating JESUS our LIGHT of the WORLD!

For more MISSION-MINDED FAMILY ideas (including a FREE sample of Ann Dunagan's newest book The Mission-Minded Family - Releasing Your Family to God's Destiny), click here.