Millions of people observe Christmas and Hanukkah each year. But, did you know that the two festivals, which have long been thought of as Christian and Jewish respectively may actually have more in common than we thought?

It turns out that "Hanukkah" (dedication in Hebrew) or The Feast of Re-dedication of the second Jewish temple in Israel is celebrated annually on the 25th of Kislev, which would be the month of December on the Gregorian calendar. Christians celebrate the birth of Christ annually on December 25 (though Christ was not born on that day). 

The Jewish people, whom many became followers of Christ, wanted to honor their heritage of winning the battle against evil and restoring the temple of God and also the prophecy and birth of Jesus Christ. It cannot be a coincidence that both celebrations occur on the 25 of December (Kislev). However, because the Jewish people use the moon to count the days of the week, Hanukkah can occur in late November through December.

Years ago, I didn't ponder too much on the significance of the two; however, I always paid homage to both festivals feeling a connection to my Jewish heritage (even if by adoption) and my love for the Savior of the World. 

Any connection to paganism is actually incorrect. All one needs to do is to study the bible to see the beautiful connection that exists between two faiths that surprisingly have looked to the deeper understanding and application of these two world-renown events.

We would be wise to look at Christ Himself for matters of judgement on other people in the book of Matthew when He wrote:

​: You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye

How do you give thanks where you’re from?

2018 promises to be a year and period of time when many will learn and grow in the faith of Jesus Christ. A mighty witness for our Lord and Savior will begin.  Join us here to discuss what is of importance to us as believers in the 21st century.  

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