164 years before the birth of Jesus, the temple in Jerusalem was purified and rededicated after Israel expelled the Seleucid army through the leadership of Judah Macabee. The miracle of Hannukah occurred during the rededication of the temple.

When the temple was being purified in 164BC, the priests discovered only one day’s worth of holy oil to burn in the candle lampstand (menorah) but that oil continued to burn for 8 days. A miracle from God!

The word Hanukkah means “dedication.”

The miracle gave hope to the people of Israel! But 101 years later, another army occupied all of Israel: The Roman army.

I am sure, many hoped for another miracle that would rid Israel of this new occupying force.

Then another 60 years and Jesus the Son of God was born to Mary. I bet people were still talking about the miracle of Hannukah at that time too… and hoping God would raise a warrior like Judah Macabee to fight against Rome.

Instead of a warrior, God chose to send the “prince of peace.”

Instead of oil that lasted for 8 days, God sent “the Light of the world.”

Instead of regime change, Jesus came to change hearts.

God knew it was the right time to reveal the greatest gift to humanity. The Gift that keeps giving because Jesus lives, even today.

The miracle of Christmas lives on! The light of the world came and His Spirit stayed!

The gospel shares that a star pointed the way to the Christ-child so that the wisemen could come and worship.

Light bears witness to light. The star shone down on the “light of the world”.

Shine the light of your love on others this season so that others “may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas,

Pastor Ben