It was winter, and the Festival of the Dedication was being held in Jerusalem. Jesus was walking in the temple precincts, in Solomon's Portico. The Jews gathered round him and asked: "How long must you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah say so plainly." "I have told you," said Jesus, "but you do not believe. My deeds done in my Father's name are my credentials, but because you are not sheep of my flock you do not believe. My own sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one shall snatch them from my care. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father's care. My Father and I are one." - John 10: 22-30 - New English Bible.

Hanukkah celebrates the defeat of a wicked Hellenistic ruler, Anticochus Epiphanies, who defiled the Temple around 167 B.C.E. by sacrificing a pig on the altar and then setting up an image of himself on the altar. This was done to try to force the circumcision, and to accept the Hellenism. This action only galvanized a few stalwart Jews and priests to fight back.

After a three year battle, the Jews won against all odds. On the 25th of Kislev, the Temple was rededicated and the Menorah that symbolized the light of The Lord was relit. But then this revealed a new problem -- there was only enough of the special lamp oil to last one day. They decided it was better to light the Menorah anyway. To their amazement, the light stayed lit for eight days, allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared. The Temple was restored and rededicated to the glory of G-d and an eight - day festival was established. Thus the reason today for Hanukkah to be celebrated for eight days and lighting candles every night during that time.

Why should Messianic Believers celebrate Hanukkah? Because Yeshua did! Not only did he celebrate it, but he observed it in the same Temple that had been cleansed and rededicated just a few generations earlier!

Not only is Hanukkah a celebration for past military victory and deliverance for the people of Israel, it is also a time to remember that our Messiah, our Deliverer, the Light of the World, has come!

Hanukkah, too, is a reminder of the importance of not allowing oneself to be "assimilated" into the world. This was the plan that Anticochus was implementing to eliminate the Jewish people. This same plan is still in effect today for Jews and for Believers in Yeshua (Jesus).