This episode explores the historical and theological links between Hanukkah and Christmas, tracing Hanukkah's origin in the Maccabean revolt, the Temple rededication, and the Talmudic miracle story, and connects these themes to the incarnation of Jesus as described in John 10 and the liturgical placement of Christmas within the church calendar.
It highlights how early Christians tied the winter celebration to themes of dedication, the eight-day structure paralleling Jewish festivals, and the development of Advent and Epiphany in the Christian year, offering a richer understanding of both traditions.