As Christians, many are preparing our homes and hearts for the Christmas season, but at My Olive Tree, we want to encourage you to expand your thoughts to Hanukkah. As we look at the deeper, more prophetic meaning of Hanukkah concerning today’s Church it allows us to see God’s promise, that He leads us out of seemingly overwhelming odds—out of darkness—into the light of victory!
This year Hanukkah begins the evening of December 12th and ends the evening of December 20th. On the Hebrew calendar it starts on 25th of Kislev and lasts for eight days.
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What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is celebrated as a commemoration of the Maccabean War that took place around 165 B.C. During this time in Jewish history, Antiochus IV had outlawed the practice of Judaism throughout the nation of Israel.
There were some Jews who would not stand for this discrimination, nor adopt the Hellenized lifestyle, so they began to fight back. The Maccabees, a family of Kohen (priests), gathered a small group of men to fight against the Assyrians. After the leader Mattatias, became ill, Judah took over leadership. Judah led about 2,000 men to fight against the Assyrian army—about 20,000 strong.
Beyond all odds, the men led by Judah reclaimed Jerusalem and took back the Holy Temple. The Temple needed cleansed, so the men went work removing pagan symbols and putting things back in order. After the cleansing they set out to dedicate the Temple to the Lord and used consecrated holy oil to light the Menorah.
>>>LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SPECIAL HANUKKAH SPECIAL HERE<<<
The Miracle of Light
They Maccabees, after preparing the Temple, only had enough oil to light the Menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil was more than enough, and burned for eight days as a witness that the Lamp of God—the Light of the world—Yeshua, was with them!
“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”—John 8:12
Celebrate the Light
Do you need a miracle this holiday season? You have an opportunity to rededicated your holy temple, your body, and to be blessed.
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”—1Corinthians 6:19
The Holy Spirit is ready to fill you with His oil to overflowing in order that your light will shine through the seemingly overbearing darkness coming upon the earth.
Yeshua, promises in His Word that whoever follows Him will not be in darkness, but have the light of life. This is a wonderful time of year to commemorate the great miracle that God has done for us, by giving us new light and new life.
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’”—John 8:12
As you prepare your hearts and minds during this season, we pray that you are cleansed, renewed, and filled with the Holy Spirit, and that many blessings are released over your life.