Should Christians Celebrate Chanukah?

This year Chanukah began the evening of December 14th and lasts 8 days. While Jewish people around the world celebrate, Christians are virtually unaware of this other holiday and do not even know its significance.

In the Bible, Chanukah is referred to as the Festival of Dedication (John 10:22) and we see Jesus walking to the Temple to celebrate. The word Chanukah comes from the Hebrew word “dedication.” John 10:22-25: At that time, the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; It was winter, and Yeshua was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. The Judeans then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense. If You are the Mashiach (Messiah), tell us plainly.” Yeshua answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me.

What is Jesus or Yeshua (his Hebrew name) doing in the Temple at Chanukah time? 

John 10:26-30: ‘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.

Everything Yeshua does and says, and everywhere He goes, is done with purpose and in fulfillment of prophecy. Could it be that He chooses this Chanukah for this specific declaration?

During the eight days of Chanukah, we will post daily articles about the history of this holiday and the way it is observed today by both Christians and Jewish people.

Visit www.SongForIsrael.org daily during Chanukah to read a special article devoted to each day of Chanukah and celebrate with us!

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