Hanukkah – a Bridge to the WINTER Edition

Today marks the last day of Hanukkah and we’ve also entered into the month of Tevet – the first month of the WINTER Season according to the Jewish calendar. I find it very fascinating that this festival acts as a bridge between the months and even the seasons.

Technically, yesterday was Rosh Chodesh, also known as the “New Moon” in the Bible, and the first day of the new month of Tevet. So, for those following along with my devotional series DIVINE APPOINTMENTS, you should have started a brand new book yesterday. I am always excited by this, and of course, this is the final book in the four-part series.

Hanukkah itself lasts for eight days.  Also known as the “Feast of Dedication” or the “Festival of Lights”, we know that even though this celebration was not commanded in the Bible, Jesus Himself celebrated Hanukkah as evidenced in John 10: Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around Him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” (NIV)

One thing you may have noticed is that Hanukkah seems very early this year. That’s because the Jewish calendar reconciles itself with the solar year in a rather complex way. Every so often, the Jewish calendar actually adds an entire month, not the extra day that the western calendar does each leap year. Next year Hanukkah will be later in December and closer to Christmas. It is why I recommend using a calendar that has Jewish holy days marked on it so that you can begin reading on the correct date for any particular year. It is virtually impossible to get it right without one!

I had wanted to write more about Hanukkah and its celebration but since it happened so early this year, it kind of got away on me and now I feel as if it’s a bit late. However, I hope you embrace all that this special season has to offer. Advent is also underway–another wonderful way to celebrate Christ and His coming to earth!