The Ancient Greeks required religious compromises from all their conquered peoples. The Jews have always been malleable regarding culture, ethnicity and language. However, to alter the Torah they had received from God through Moses on Sinai would be to break the religion. This reminds me of Moses shattering the first set of commandments when he descended from Sinai when he saw Israel engaged in the idolatry of the Golden Calf.
The Maccabee family took on the Greek empire and, after years of armed struggle, won back control of the Temple so they could worship correctly. The miracle of the Chanukah oil comes from the Jewish Oral Tradition. When they rededicated the temple (Hanukkah means Dedication) they only had enough oil for one night. Yet the oil lasted for 8 nights which is how long it took to get the new oil.
Another Jewish tradition says that prior to Adam’s fall he existed for 36 hours in a sinless state. There are 36 candle lightings throughout the 8 days when all is tallied. Thus the lights recall a kind of universal, idyllic primordial holiday season.
For the Christian, the meaning and celebration of Chanukah is appropriate. Jesus, who we are called to model ourselves after, celebrated Hanukkah (The Feast of the Dedication).
John 10:22
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
The Maccabean Revolt concluded in 160 BCE. If they had failed, or worse, if the Jews hadn’t resisted the idolatry of the Greeks, the Holy Nation of Israel may have been dissolved and the world would not have been suitably prepared for the birth of Christ.
The menorah is traditionally placed and lit at the window to be seen from the outside. This can be understood as a statement that the earthly powers that be cannot change who we are or extinguish our light. It is also an invitation for support and unity for those who value the Judeo Christian tradition. As Christians we must take this to heart as the ideological walls close in and entreat us to compromise our core beliefs. Despite what seem like impossible odds, like a rag tag family of priests taking up arms, we too must proclaim our light.
Matthew 5:15-17
Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.
So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
