Igniting Hanukkah!

Dear Light Igniters:

The year was 175 BC, and Antiochus IV had succeeded his father (Antiochus III) as king of the Seleucid Empire, which at the time spanned most of the modern Middle East and Eastern Europe. Antiochus III had ruled with a civil hand, allowing the people of conquered territories to maintain their local customs and religious practices provided they pay sufficient tribute. His son, Antiochus IV, was not so indulgent. Even the slightest provoking expression of disloyalty brought a swift and dominating response of his oppressive military might, which included a massive force of war elephants.

Perceiving a rebellious uprising in Judah, Antiochus IV sacked the city of Jerusalem and looted the sacred Temple, transforming it into a shrine to Zeus. He ordered that pigs be slaughtered on the altar, completely defaming the focal point of Jewish worship.

While Antiochus launched a campaign against Egypt in 167 BC, many in Judah saw an opportunity for revolt. The Maccabee family raised a guerilla force of over 1,000; led by Judah Maccabee, the force took the Temple and reconsecrated (Hebrew word Hanukkah) it for the worship of YHWH. Central to the Temple liturgy was the lighting of the seven-candled menorah, a symbol of God’s seven-day creation of the world and the enlightenment of the seven branches of knowledge. The lamp burned purified olive oil, and custom required that it burn day and night. Were the lamps to go out, tradition held that the Temple would need to be cleansed and consecrated again. There was, however, only enough olive oil to burn the lamps for a single day, and it would take a week and a day to press and clarify more oil. Yet once the menorah was lit, the flames burned for all eight days.

The commemoration of the uprising and the miracle of the lights is celebrated by the Jewish community to this day in the festival of Hanukkah. Jesus celebrated Hanukkah in Jerusalem (John 10.22-23).

Eight lights on the Hanukkah menorah recall the glorious eight days when the oil did not run out. Each evening at sunset the family offers prayers, lights one new candle and recalls the goodness of God’s provision. Small gifts are exchanged each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. The menorah has nine candles; the ninth candle, called the shamash (from the Hebrew word for ‘helper’), is lit first each night and used to light the other candles.

Jewish tradition begins the day at sunset; this evening will mark the beginning of the fifth day of Hanukkah. As candles are lit and prayers are said around the world, consider these two powerful messages of the season, especially this year. First, the Maccabean revolt did not conclude with the retaking of the Temple. This was the middle of the warfare, and those who lit the Temple Menorah did not celebrate victory. They knew their rebellion would bring a vicious counterattack. Hanukkah is not a conclusion; it is the courage to allow our lights to burn in the middle of strife.

Additionally, consider that the miracle of Hanukkah could only occur because someone had the faith to light that first lamp. Knowing the oil was only sufficient for a single night, they risked all the oil they had to start, not knowing that God’s blessing would sustain the light. It was an extreme risk in the middle of great struggle. May the story of Hanukkah grant us courage and faith in the middle of our strife.

Enjoying this season of light and loving the new Hanukkah song, which can be found here, I remain,

With Love,
Jonathan Krogh
Your Pastor

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