Thanksgiving Reflections on Hanukkah

 

This year Thanksgiving falls on the first day of Hanukkah, the 8-day Jewish Feast celebrating the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C.

Hanukkah's theme is one of miracles.  The central figure in the story is the Menorah, or Golden Lampstand, which stood in the Holy Place in God's Temple.

In 167 B.C. the Syrian King Antiochus Epiphanes was passionate about unifying his kingdom, including Judea, into one monolithic Greek culture.  Because he saw the Jewish religion as an obstacle to his goal, Antiochus made practicing Judaism a capital offense.

He set up ritual prostitution in the Temple.  

Possession of the Hebrew scriptures was outlawed.  

Whole families were executed for observing the Sabbath.  

He ransacked the Temple and offered pigs on the altar of God.

Finally a small band of Jewish outlaws led by Judah Maccabbee successfully revolted.  Against all odds, this small band of guerrilla warriors defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, driving the Greeks from the land, reclaiming the Temple and re-dedicating it to the worship of God.

They tore down and rebuilt the defiled altar.  

They made new instruments to be used in worship. 

People came from all over Judea to celebrate the re-dedication.

But when they went to light the Menorah which was to burn continually before the Holy of Holies, they discovered there was only one jar of sanctified oil remaining which had not been desecrated by Antiochus;  one jar would last only one night.  It would take eight days before more oil could be consecrated according to God's law.  What would they do?  The lit Menorah was central in the Holy Place; there was no other light.

They decided to use the little oil they had.  They were so eager for the light to be restored in God's Temple that they did all they could do, without violating God's Law...

...and waited for God to intervene.  

He did.  

The Lampstand miraculously continued to shine its light for 8 days, enough time for a new supply of oil to be made and consecrated.

Today many Jewish homes have a special 8-branched Menorah with an elevated ninth branch in the center.  This ninth branch holds the shamash, or servant,  candle which  is used to light each of the other candles.  Every evening a candle is lit from the flame of the shamash candle until the 8th night when all are aglow.  Then the Menorah is usually placed in a front window so all passing by may see the light it sends forth.

The Temple Menorah is a beautiful picture of our Messiah Jesus.  He is the Light of the World who came as the Shamash, being light to those around Him as He served.

This Thanksgiving as we recall the pilgrims who came to our land in search of religious freedom, we are reminded of God's people thousands of years ago who also sought freedom.  It is a precious thing the Lord has bestowed on us.  How, then, should we respond?

"You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  

Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 

 In the same way, let your light shine before men, 

that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  

(Matthew 5:14-16)

(If you are interested in a few ideas for a Thanksgiving devotional using some imagery from Hanukkah, message me your email and I'll forward what I'm putting together for our meal)