The Feast of Dedication
Hanukkah Sameach!
The Hebrew word for Hanukkah means 'dedication.' It is a joyous celebration of what it meant for the Maccabees to rededicate the Temple back to God after they recaptured it from the evil emperor Antiochus IV and the vast army of the Seleucid empire.
Occurring in the intertestamental period, this important moment in history is now forever remembered as Hanukkah... a 'festival of light' and so much more. The true story of the Maccabees brave faith to stand against the Hellenization of the empire without a doubt holds great importance for those who claim faith in Yeshua, Jesus.
Without Hanukkah, there would have been no Christmas. The Jewish people, the Torah, the line of the Messiah would have been swallowed up forever had there been no stand of a small, brave Jewish family to this Goliath.
And many years later, Yeshua Himself walked in the Temple on Hanukkah and declared Himself to be the Light of the World.
Below you will find resources, reflections, and recommendations for how to engage Hanukkah. Always feel free to contact us with any questions! We're glad you're at the table.
Hanukkah Resources
Podcast: Hanukkah as Every Day Encouragement
Podcast: Hanukkah as Every Day Encouragement
Podcast: Hanukkah as Every Day Encouragement
This podcast episode is from Kristi McLelland's remarkable series of teachings called Pearls. The episode on Hanukkah empowers the listener to understand it from a biblical and cultural lens. Listeners will grasp Hanukkah is a celebration of light moving into darkness.
Book: Rooted Foundations
Podcast: Hanukkah as Every Day Encouragement
Podcast: Hanukkah as Every Day Encouragement
Rooted: Foundations is a practical, theologically rich guide for anyone seeking to lay a strong spiritual foundation and grow as a disciple who helps others do the same. Including a chapter on the Appointed Times, it shows how biblical truth, Messianic Jewish identity, and everyday discipleship practices form the bedrock of a thriving spiritual life.
[Message/Video] The Disappointing Maccabee
Podcast: Hanukkah as Every Day Encouragement
[Message/Video] The Disappointing Maccabee
This is a message Michayla shared last year with our local congregation about Hanukkah, what it looked like in Jesus' first century world, and how He was not the kind of Maccabee some of the people hoped for Him to be. If you have ever found yourself disappointed in your journey with Yeshua... this message will encourage you!