There are so many lessons in the Hanukkah story for Christians today. If you ever wondered if Christians should celebrate Hanukkah, I’d say: “Go for it!” Yeshua (Jesus) did. We see that in John 10:22-23: “Then came Hanukkah; it was winter in Jerusalem. Yeshua was walking in the Temple around Solomon’s Colonnade.”
I could share so much about Hanukkah with you, but I will go straight to the point in this post. But before you buy yourself a menorah and Hanukkah decorations, spend some time reading through the apocrypha books of 1 & 2 Maccabees for some powerful lessons we can apply to our lives today.
By the way, at the end of this post, there is an awesome Christmas Blessings Giveaway for you!
Every year at Hanukkah, families light the hanukkiah to remember the Jewish victory over Antiochus Epiphanes in 165 BC and to celebrate God’s miraculous provision of oil — enough for one day, yet it burned for eight. While this festival often brings to mind victory, miracles, and rededication, there is another side to the story that is often overlooked: How did God’s people end up in such bondage in the first place?
Many think that the story of Hanukkah is only about a political or national restoration of Israel, but I tell you that it was about spiritual restoration! Hanukkah is about remembering what happens when God’s people compromise, tolerate evil, and assimilate into a pagan culture. It’s also about learning how to stand, fight, and shine when darkness rises.
Today, let’s look at the Hanukkah story through three lenses: the cause, the consequences, and the cure.
The Cause: Compromise, Tolerance, and Assimilation
The First Book of Maccabees opens with the rise of Antiochus Epiphanes, a tyrant determined to Hellenize his empire. But before he ever desecrated the Temple, Israel had already cracked the door open.
1. Compromise
“In those days came forth out of Israel transgressors of the law, and persuaded many, saying, ‘Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles…’” (1 Maccabees 1:11–12)
Israel made covenants with surrounding nations, forsaking God’s holy covenant. Some even bribed their way into positions of power, such as Jason, who petitioned Antiochus for the high priesthood and turned Jerusalem into a polis (a Greek-style city).
The warning is clear: Be careful who you covenant with. As Paul wrote, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
2. Tolerance
Tolerance is often celebrated today, but biblically, it is the first step away from holiness.
The Jews tolerated pagan gymnasiums and cultural practices while still keeping Temple services. It seemed harmless — a little compromise for the sake of peace. But tolerance of evil is the first open door for destruction.
The Greek gymnasiums weren’t just about sports. Athletes competed naked under the patronage of pagan gods. What began as tolerance of a cultural shift led to erosion of holiness.
3. Association & Assimilation
Tolerance soon turned into full assimilation. Some Jews even surgically reversed their circumcision to blend in with the Greeks. Shocking, right?
Assimilation always comes at the cost of identity. Israel forgot who they were as God’s chosen people, exchanging their covenant identity for cultural acceptance.
The Consequences: Darkness and Defilement
Once the door was opened, Antiochus seized the opportunity. He stormed Jerusalem, looted the Temple, and desecrated the altar by sacrificing swine.
“They rent in pieces the books of the law which they found and set them on fire. And wheresoever was found with any a book of the covenant… the king’s sentence delivered him to death.” (1 Maccabees 1:56–57)
God’s people were robbed, slaughtered, enslaved, and forbidden from keeping Sabbath, circumcision, sacrifices, etc.
A nation that had compromised now found itself defiled.
A people that had tolerated now found themselves persecuted.
A community that had assimilated now found itself enslaved.
The warning is sobering: a small crack is enough for the enemy to come in and plunder.
The Cure: Conviction and Consecration
Even in the midst of darkness, a remnant arose.
Some Jews resolved not to eat unclean food or defile themselves, even at the cost of their lives. Others chose to die rather than forsake God’s covenant.
The cure began when conviction returned to the people of God, and they consecrated themselves again to holiness.
“The cure started with conviction and consecration!!”
This led to the rise of Mattathias and his sons — the Maccabees — who refused to bow to Antiochus’ commands and sparked a holy revolt.
What to Do When the Enemy Rises
The Maccabees’ story gives us a blueprint for our times. When the enemy rises against us, Scripture shows us three responses:
1. Be Courageous
Mattathias declared, “Yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of our fathers… We will not hearken to the king’s words.” (1 Maccabees 2:20–22)
God called His children to be strong and courageous, not cowards giving in to demands against His Word!
“This book of the Torah should not depart from your mouth—you are to meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will make your ways prosperous and then you will be successful. Have I not commanded you? Chazak! Be strong! Do not be terrified or dismayed, for Adonai your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8-9)
God’s people have always had to stand courageously: Moses before Pharaoh, David before Goliath, Daniel in the lions’ den, the Apostles before Rome. We, too, are called to be defiant — not against God, but against the world’s demands that we conform.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
2. Pray and Fast
Before going to battle, the Maccabees prayed, fasted, and sought God’s mercy (1 Maccabees 3:46–50).
Victory starts on our knees. Prayer and fasting align us with God’s power and invite His intervention.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face… then I will hear from heaven.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
3. Fight Back
Judas Maccabeus rallied the people, saying:
“Be valiant men, and be in readiness… For it is better for us to die in battle than to look upon the evils of our nation and the holy place.” (1 Maccabees 3:58–59)
We cannot sit passively while the enemy destroys. The battle is real — and while ours may not be fought with swords, it is fought with truth, prayer, faith, and bold obedience.
Arise & Shine: You Are the Light of the World
The prophet Isaiah wrote:
“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth… But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1–2)
Yeshua declared, “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12) — and then told His disciples, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).
Darkness cannot remain where light shines. Our call is to shine in the midst of darkness, compromise, and persecution.
Hanukkah reminds us:
- Do not compromise.
- Do not tolerate evil.
- Do not assimilate.
- Instead, be courageous, pray and fast, and fight back in faith.
As Daniel 12:3 promises:
“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
A Final Reflection
This Hanukkah, I encourage you to read the story of Hanukkah with your family, light the candles, and remember the miracle of the oil — but also remember the miracle of courageous believers who refused to compromise.
Ask yourself:
- Where have I allowed compromise in my life?
- Where is God calling me to take a stand?
- How can I shine His light more boldly in this generation?
It’s time for us to repent, consecrate ourselves, pray, and rise up in courage.
Arise and shine! Jesus called us to be the light of the world.
Friend, if this message stirred you, share it with your family this Christmas and Hanukkah. Let’s be the generation that refuses to bow to compromise and instead shines brightly with the glory of Yeshua.
If you want to learn more about Hanukkah, I suggest these posts:
A SPECIAL GIVEAWAY FOR YOU
As the holiday season approaches, and we celebrate Yeshua, the Light of the World, I’ve partnered with a wonderful group of bloggers to bring you the Christmas Blessings Giveaway. Our hope is to ease that burden just a bit for a few families. We are giving away FOUR $250 gift cards, and each winner will get to choose where the gift card is from.
The giveaway runs November 19 through November 28, so be sure to get your entries in before it ends!
To enter, simply use the entry form below. We know it’s a long one, but each blogger personally contributed to make this giveaway happen, and your support means so much. Plus, the more entries you complete, the better your chances of winning one of the $250 prizes!
Wishing you a season full of peace, joy, and blessings!
