So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14
Tonight is the last night of Hanukkah. Thanks to Adam Sandler we know that it’s a Jewish Holiday that lasts “eight crazy nights” with eight gifts. Along with that they play the dreidel, win gold chocolate coins and eat latkes. In many ways this celebration has become commercialized. So what is this Festival of Lights all about?
In 167 BC the evil Syrian Ruler Anitochus Epiphanes planned to banish Judaism. He sent his troops from town to town asking the Jews to do the unspeakable to defy God by worshipping pagan gods and eating pork. To top it all off his troops took control of the Temple and defiled it by pagan worship and sacrificing pigs on the altar. The Jews have had enough and they banned together to fight against him, this group of fighters were named the Maccabbees. For three long years they fought against seemingly insurmountable odds and always won. The last battles came against over 40,000 Greek troops and in the end the Temple was reclaimed.
In order to cleanse the Temple they needed to burn the ceremonial oil for eight days. But to their dismay there was only enough oil for one night. They lit the menorah and prayed and to their amazement the oil lasted for the full eight days! Once again God had made provision in an impossible situation. The festival was then proclaimed to be celebrated every year to remember what God had done.
In our world today it seems that evil is taking over and victory over it is impossible. But the same God who helped Israel win over a mighty army is still ready and willing to help those who would trust and follow Him to conquer whatever may seem to be overcoming us. Whether it be as a nation, a community or on a personal level God will give us the ability to overcome and walk out our victory Jesus won for us.
What do you need God to do for you today? Seek His face ask Him to help you, He loves it when we finally realize how much we need Him. Remember He sent Jesus because we needed a Savior who would forgive and give us victory over our sins.
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