That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
— John 1:9
This page contains a series of lessons on Hanukkah, a joyful, Jewish celebration which takes place during the Christmas season every year. The word, “Hanukkah,” means “dedication” in Hebrew and commemorates the time when a small group of Jewish revolutionaries defeated the formidable Greeks, took back Jerusalem, and rededicated the temple in 167–165 BC. The Jews view this victory as a miracle. How else could a small group of Jews defeat the superior Greek army? Hanukkah is oftentimes referred to as the Festival of Lights. According to Jewish tradition, when the temple was rededicated, they only found enough oil to light the menorah (temple candlestick) for one day, but the oil lasted for eight days. This was the second great miracle of Hanukkah.
Jews from all over the world celebrate Hanukkah each year to remind themselves of an incredible time of victory. Hanukkah is all about the “Great Miracle.” Born-again believers are also reminded of a great miracle which took place in Israel in which Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, took upon Himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men.
“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
—John 1:9-14