The Festival of Lights

What Is Hanukkah?

In a world that often feels heavy with uncertainty, fear, and loss, Hanukkah reminds us of a timeless truth—darkness is not defeated by force, but by light.

Each year, usually in December, Jewish families around the world faithfully kindle candles as they have done for thousands of years to celebrate Hanukkah ~ the Festival of Lights, also called the Feast of Dedication. Jesus observed this festival. "At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple..." John 10:22-23a. While Hanukkah may look similar to Christmas in timing and décor, Hanukkah has its own rich history, deep meaning, and beautiful traditions.

The Story Behind Hanukkah

Hanukkah commemorates a miracle that took place more than 2,000 years ago in the land of Israel. At that time, the Jewish people were living under the rule of the Greek-Syrian king Antiochus IV. He tried to force them to abandon their faith and religious practices by worshipping him as God. The king erected a statue of himself in the Jewish Temple, and had swine slaughtered on the holy altar to honor him. Many Jews chose to assimilate to the culture and bowed to this false God to save their lives.

However...

This assimilation to a godless culture was an abomination to a righteous, indignant family of Jewish priests, known as the Maccabees. Against overwhelming odds, they refused to comply and rose up against this oppression. They succeeded in defeating the Greek army and reclaiming the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. When they tried to rededicate the Temple and relight the sacred menorah, they found only enough consecrated oil to last one day. Miraculously, that oil burned for eight days—long enough to prepare a new supply. This miracle is at the heart of Hanukkah and is why the holiday is celebrated for eight nights.

How Hanukkah Is Celebrated

The most well-known Hanukkah tradition is lighting the hanukkiah, a nine-branched candelabrum. One candle is lit on the first night, two on the second, and so on, using the middle helper candle called the shamash, until all eight candles are lit on the final night.

Other popular traditions include:

• Reading of Scripture and telling the story of the Maccabees

• Saying special prayers and blessings while lighting the hanukkiah

• Eating traditional foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), reminding people of the miracle of the oil

• Playing dreidel, a spinning top game that teaches children about the holiday

• Giving gelt, often chocolate coins or small gifts

• Singing songs and prayers that celebrate God’s faithfulness and deliverance

  
  

The Meaning of Hanukkah Today

At its heart, Hanukkah is about faith, perseverance, courage, and hope. It reminds us that even a small light can push back great darkness, and that standing firm in one’s beliefs matters—especially when it’s difficult. In a world that often feels uncertain or divided, the message of Hanukkah continues to resonate: light still shines, miracles still happen, courage and faith still matters. The fight against assimilation to the darkness and evil in the world is just as real today.

Hanukkah points people to the source of light, hope, courage, and faith. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Darkness has never been able to extinguish the light. Hanukkah stands as living proof—hope multiplied, one candle at a time. I pray you will be strong and courageous and that you will stand against the darkness. May you be filled with the light of God today and for all eternity.