I’m so excited to share today’s episode and historical pearl with you. It is one of my favorite things to talk and teach about. We are getting ready to learn the history and wonder of Hanukkah. 

Hanukkah is NOT Jewish Christmas. Hanukkah is a deeply historical, meaningful and powerful story that encourages me every single day. It is a holiday within the Jewish calendar, but it’s story speaks to me year-round. The Hebrew word “hanukkah” means “dedication”.  

Hanukkah is known as the “Festival of Lights” or the “Festival of Dedication”. The original historical story of Hanukkah happened during the Intertestamental Period – the 400 years between Malachi and Matthew. The New Testament tells us that Jesus would have experienced Hanukkah or the Festival of Dedication during his earthly life and ministry (John 10:22-23). 

Hanukkah is a celebration of light moving into darkness. Rather than defying darkness, Hanukkah encourages us to be light bringers, light givers each and every day. We do not despise the darkness. We are people who move into darkness to ignite a flame, to ignite a light. 

I pray the history and wonder of Hanukkah blesses you today as you seek to bring light into the world around you.