Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights and the Faithfulness of God
A Historical and Theological Reflection on Divine Preservation, Covenant, and Sacred Light
A Reader’s Invitation
I invite you to read this story slowly, not merely as history but as testimony.
Let the Scriptures guide your understanding, and allow the echoes of faith, courage, and devotion to speak into your own walk with God. Though Hanukkah is not recorded in the Old Testament, it stands as a powerful witness to God’s preservation of His people and a light no darkness could extinguish.
As you read, consider not only what happened, but why it mattered, and still does. May this deepen your appreciation for the Jewish people, strengthen your reverence for God, and remind you that faithfulness leaves a legacy far beyond its moment in history.
Use the Scripture links throughout the article to pause, reflect, and explore God’s Word for yourself. The richest understanding comes not from reading alone, but from meeting God in His Word.
Where Is Hanukkah in the Bible?
Hanukkah does not appear as a commanded feast in the Torah. It is not listed alongside Passover, Pentecost, or the Feast of Tabernacles. Instead, Hanukkah emerges during the period between the Old and New Testaments. A time when God’s people fought to preserve worship, Scripture, and covenant identity under great oppression. The New Testament quietly acknowledges this celebration:
“Now it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: and it was winter.” —
John 10:22 (KJV)
Then comes the detail that changes everything: Jesus was there. He walked in the Temple courts during Hanukkah. He chose to be present at the celebration of rededication, light, and deliverance. The Light of the world stood in the House that had once gone dark and was made holy again.
That is not a coincidence. That is revelation. In His presence at the Feast of Dedication, Jesus silently affirmed:
God sees.
God remembers.
God honors faith that refuses to go out — even in the longest winter.
A Flame That Would Not Be Extinguished
Each winter, candles are lit across Jewish homes as a quiet testimony of hope. Hanukkah is not merely a date on a calendar or a story from the past. It is a living reminder of God’s faithfulness. It speaks of light that refuses to fade. Hearts that would not abandon truth. A people who trusted God to preserve what the world tried to extinguish.
Eight Nights of Light: What Hanukkah Means
Hanukkah means “Dedication.” It remembers the moment when God’s people chose obedience over fear. Observed for eight days in the month of Kislev, the festival centers on the lighting of candles to commemorate the Temple’s cleansing and rededication.
More than a historical event, Hanukkah tells a spiritual story:
• Standing firm when faith is threatened
• Choosing obedience despite pressure
• Trusting God when the light seems small
• Believing darkness never has the final word
The History Behind the Light
Long ago in Jerusalem, the Temple, the Second Temple, the place set apart for God, was defiled. Idols replaced worship. Lamps went dark. Songs of praise fell silent. It appeared as though Israel’s light had been extinguished. But God was still at work. A small band of faithful families refused to abandon their God. They chose obedience over safety and loyalty over comfort. These were the Maccabees. Against impossible odds, they reclaimed the Temple, not in pride, but in repentance. They cleansed what had been defiled, rebuilt what had been broken, and relit what had gone dark.
When the Temple was rededicated, light returned, not only to the menorah but to the hearts of the people. Hanukkah became a message written in flame. When faith is threatened, God preserves it. When what is holy is broken, God restores it. When darkness rises, God brings light. Though preserved outside Scripture, the spiritual truth is consistent with it: God never abandons His people.
Spiritual Themes Anchored in Scripture
All Scripture references below are linked for personal reading and reflection (KJV). Just CLICK on the Underlined Scripture!
Faith Under Pressure
Daniel — Faith in Captivity
Esther — Courage to Intercede
The Maccabees — Obedience Unto Death
Note: The books of Maccabees are preserved in Jewish and Catholic tradition and historical record, though not part of the Protestant Old Testament.
1 Maccabees 2:19–22 (historical reference)
2 Maccabees 7 (historical reference)
God Preserves His Word
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” — Isaiah 40:8
Supporting Scriptures
Light Always Returns
“…when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.” —
Micah 7:8
Supporting Scriptures
Rededication Still Matters
“Present your bodies a living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1)
Supporting Scriptures
What Have We Learned?
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple after its desecration under Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the second century BC. When Jewish worship was outlawed and obedience became dangerous, the Maccabees refused assimilation and restored proper worship. Though Hanukkah is not commanded in the Torah, it is acknowledged in the New Testament:
“Now it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem…”
John 10:22
And Jesus was present—the Light of the world, standing in God’s restored house.
Hanukkah declares: Faith survives pressure. Obedience still matters. God restores what darkness tries to erase
A Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the light You have preserved through every generation. As we remember the rededication of Your Temple, rededicate our hearts.
Where there has been darkness, bring light. Where there has been weariness, bring renewal. Where faith has been tested, restore strength.
Teach us to walk in obedience, to guard what is holy, to trust You when the light seems small.
Thank You for Jesus, the Light of the world, Who walked in the Temple during this season. And still walks with us today.
Amen.
Love this devotional on Hanukkah; during these trying times, we like the Maccabees and Jesus Himself, must stand strong while showing forth God's light.