15 December 2006

Happy Hanukkah

Yes, I know somep people are wondering why I, a disciple of Christ, am commemorating a Jewish holiday on my blog. First, let us examine the history of this festival.

The festival commemorates the Maccabee family's revolt against Antiochus IV and his imposing Hellenistic beliefs on the Jewish community. In 167 BC, Antiochus ordered a statue of Zeus to be erected in the Second Temple. Mattathias Maccabee, a priest, along with his five sons, led a rebellion against Antioch. This rebellion was succesful and the temple was cleansed in 165 BC. According to the Talmud, oil was needed to burn in the temple every night. However, there was only enough for one night. Through the grace of God, it is said that the oil lasted for eight nights. According to 1 Maccabees, though, Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration of the rededication.

This brings me to my point. Regardless of the reason of the celebration, it is still a commemoration of God's caring for his people.

And that is worth celebrating (even without the presents).

Rock on.