Hanukkah has something for the hearts of Jews and Gentiles alike. What is it? To know that, we first need to understand the story.
Antiochus IV was ruling Jerusalem, persecuting the Jews, banning Jewish practices and desecrating the Temple. But then in 167 B.C., the Maccabees led a band of men in a revolt. By faith and courage, the Jews battled and defeated the Greeks retaking Jerusalem and the Temple.
Imagine what they saw when they entered the Temple.
How could they worship with the Temple in this state? What did the Maccabees need to do in order to rededicate the Temple?
What does their process have to do with their hearts and ours?
#1 EXAMINE!
The Maccabees needed to examine every corner of the Temple. After all, Antiochus’ men had prepared non-kosher pigs there! Oy vey! With all that destruction, who knows what was stuffed in the dark corners of the Temple?
With all destruction to the Jew’s lives, who knows what was stuffed in the dark corners of their hearts?
Like the broken Temple gate, were their hearts broken for those who lost their lives?
Had unforgiveness overrun their hearts like the weeds in the court?
Was their hope shattered like the glass littering the floor?
What about our hearts?
Has this year been tough? If we examine our hearts, would we find anything stuffed in the corners?
#2 CLEANING & REPAIRING!
Now the Maccabees needed to clean the Temple by clearing weeds, removing debris and scouring the building. As the cleaning exposed the destruction, they needed to make repairs.
Did they also clean up and repair the destruction in their hearts?
Did they scour away their unforgiveness as they cleaned the Temple? After enduring persecution, and oppression it had to be a struggle to forgive and find hope. But they had faith that God would heal their hearts and repair their lives. Why else would they restore God’s Temple?
They knew that igniting the lampstand to rededicate the Temple would bring the light of God’s presence into the Temple. It would also bring His light of hope into their hearts.
This celebration rededicating the Temple is called “Hanukkah,” the Hebrew word for dedication.
What about destruction in our hearts?
Here’s the good news! Unlike the Temple, we don’t have to clean and repair our hearts before we rededicate ourselves to the Lord. When in faith we commit our lives to Jesus, He brings His light into the darkness in our hearts and lives.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying,
“I am the light of the world.
He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,
but have the light of life,”
John 8:12
Jesus is waiting with open arms to forgive us and help us to forgive, (1 John 1:9). With His help, we can recognize any unforgiveness hiding in the dark corners of our hearts and be free from its’ bondage.
Therefore, if the Son makes you free,
you shall be free indeed,
John 8:36
Jesus stays with us in all our pain. When we call on Him, Jesus lovingly heals our broken hearts.
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds,
Psalm 147:3
Jesus is our hope.
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord,
Psalm 31:24
Today, Hanukkah is celebrated with candle lighting and special prayers. For 8 days candles are lit on a special nine branch menorah called a hanukkiah. The ninth candle, the “shamash” or “servant” candle, is set apart & higher than the other candles on the hanukkiah.
The lighting of the Hanukkah candles is a wonderful illustration of Jesus, the Son of God, who came as a “servant” to the world in human likeness giving His light of love to us, (Isaiah 42:1, Philippians 2:6-7). Each day, as the “servant” candle is used to light the other candles it reminds us that Jesus ignites His light within us chasing away the darkness.
Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas, isn’t this the perfect time to rededicate our hearts to the Lord?
REFLECTION
Would you like to rededicate your heart?*
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as I write John 8:12 and say it aloud, light up my heart. Please heal my brokenness, give me hope and help me to forgive. In Jesus name. Amen.
BY FAITH LIGHT UP OUR HEARTS
Comment!
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*For information on making Jesus Christ your Savior, email me or visit, http://www.peacewithgod.net/
Hanukkah photo, Alla Kemelmakher
Children photo, pexels-polesietoys
