25th of Kislev – 25th of December
Two different dates representing such different things to different people. And yet…how blessed is the person who recognizes the common thread in both. The 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev (which BTW has the potential to fall on December 25th) is the first day of Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights. The world acknowledges, even if they don’t believe, December 25th to be the birth of Jesus Christ. Or as He is known in Hebrew, “Yeshua HaMashiach.”
The common denominator? Light, of course. Legend has it that the Maccabees found a small amount of oil to light the lampstand in the Temple, hopefully enough for one night. And as the story goes, it lasted 8 days and nights…thus starting the tradition of an 8-day celebration. Lighting the menorah each night is one of the highlights of the holiday. Unless you’re a kid who eagerly anticipates getting a present each of the 8 nights.
The Old Testament foretold of a Great Light which would come onto the earth to dispel the darkness that engulfs mankind:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death; upon them a light has shined. Isa 9:2
We find this same passage quoted in the New Testament in Matthew 4:16, referring to Yeshua, the Light of the World, who came just as promised.
As we light the Hanukkah candles, we are reminded of God’s faithful promises to shine His light into the darkness and restore what was lost in the Garden.