Feast of Dedication

Tonight is the beginning of Hanukkah, which is an 8-day festival also known as the "Feast of Dedication" or the "Festival of Lights." Up until a few years ago, I was very ignorant about this holiday. I had the perception that it had little meaning and was somehow a Jewish imitation of Christmas. You can imagine that I was pretty shocked to find out that Jesus (Yeshua) observed this holiday as is recorded in John 10:22-23 ("Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade."-NIV). Hmm...was there a reason why he was at the temple at the time of this feast? If He recognized this festival, then maybe I should find out what this holiday means.

The word Hanukkah means "dedication" or "consecration" in Hebrew. It marks the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes, and the miraculous supply of oil occurring at that time. According to what was recorded, there was only enough consecrated oil to burn in the Temple for one day, but miraculously the oil burned for eight days. This was just enough time to press, prepare, and consecrate fresh olive oil for the Temple Menorah. God supplied the oil for the dedicated temple.

This is a good time to examine ourselves and rededicate ourselves to His service. We need to receive fresh oil, so we may burn as lights in this dark world. The best part is God freely gives the oil of the Holy Spirit to those who ask. All He needs is a dedicated vessel that is ready to receive this precious oil. It truly is a miracle. It reminds me of the parable of the 10 virgins (Matthew 25), and how we need to be ready with our lamps burning brightly when the Son of Man appears.

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Cor 6:19-20 NIV)."