𝐀 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐃𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐆-𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The world feels divided during this season. Some argue over the “pagan origins” of Christmas, others amplify Hanukkah as the Jewish counterpart, while some quietly avoid the festivities altogether. For many Torah Pursuant Gentiles, the season is a tangle of cultural expectations and spiritual convictions. But what if this year, instead of being caught in the fray, we embraced something deeper—something eternal?

This year, December 25th coincides with the Festival of Dedication, known as Hanukkah. It’s not a coincidence; it’s an invitation. Let’s rise above the debate and focus our hearts on what truly matters: rededicating ourselves to G-d. As the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple from pagan defilement, so too are we called to reclaim the temple of our hearts for His glory.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞

The apostle Paul reminds us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Just as the menorah burned brightly in the Temple, our lives should radiate the light of G-d’s presence. Yet, like the Temple in the days of the Maccabees, our hearts can become cluttered with idols—pride, anger, distractions, and sin. Hanukkah calls us to clear out the defilement and rekindle the flame of dedication to G-d.

This is not about circumcision of the flesh, but the circumcision of the heart. As the Torah commands, “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn” (Deuteronomy 10:16). Yeshua Himself echoed this call when He said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see G-d” (Matthew 5:8). The Festival of Dedication is our opportunity to purify our hearts and dedicate them anew.

𝐀 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞

Hanukkah is often called the Festival of Lights, and light has always been a symbol of hope and victory. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isaiah 9:2). Yeshua fulfilled this prophecy, declaring, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

The Maccabean revolt was a war against pagan oppression, but the ultimate victory is peace. Hanukkah foreshadows the peace that Messiah will bring when He defeats the spiritual forces that oppose Him. The battle is already won in the heavenly realms, and one day, that victory will be fully realized on earth. Until then, we light candles and add lights to our homes as a testimony of that hope—a beacon to our neighbors that darkness will not overcome the light (John 1:5).

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐲

This year, let’s reclaim December 25th as a holy day of dedication—not to cultural pressures or traditions, but to G-d. Gather your family and friends for a beautiful meal, exchanging gifts as a reflection of the generosity of our Father, who gave us the greatest gift: His Son (John 3:16). But don’t stop there. Adorn your home with lights, both inside and out, as a declaration that your household serves the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

By celebrating this way, we can step away from the tensions surrounding Christmas and Hanukkah. It’s not about choosing one or rejecting the other—it’s about choosing Him. This is the season to rededicate ourselves to being a temple filled with His Spirit, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it.

𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐧

The angels who announced Yeshua’s birth declared, “Glory to G-d in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). That message wasn’t meant to last a single night—it’s the heart of the Messiah’s mission. And just as the war of the Maccabees came to an end, we look forward to the day when all wars cease, and the Prince of Peace reigns.

Until that day, let us be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Let the light of your celebration shine as a testimony to the peace and joy that come from dedicating your life to Him. Let your neighbors see your candles and your lights, and may it spark curiosity about the One who is the true light of the world.

𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

This Feast of Dedication, let’s answer the call to purify our hearts, rekindle our flames, and dedicate our lives to G-d. Let this season not be about controversy or compromise, but about conviction and celebration. May our homes radiate His light, and may our hearts become sanctuaries of His peace.

So, light your candles. Adorn your homes. Share your table. And dedicate your heart to G-d anew. This is your temple, and He is your light. Let nothing dim it.

May the peace of the Messiah fill your homes, and may your light shine brightly for all to see. Chag Hanukkah Sameach!

B"H