The Dedication Part 3

It appears that Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is symbolic of Jesus Christ the Messiah.

There are two menorahs, the golden candlesticks in the Sanctuary, and the candlesticks of Hanukkah. The golden candlesticks found in the Tabernacle and then in the holy Temple in Jerusalem have seven branches, or lights. The pure oil that was used to fuel the flame in the golden candlesticks is symbolic of the Holy Spirit of God. The lamps were to burn continually, providing the only light within the Tabernacle. (Leviticus 24:2)

The second menorah of Hanukkah was to represent and celebrate the great miracle of oil. When the Syrian-Greek king Antiochus IV and his armies defiled the holy Temple in Jerusalem, all the oil but one small cruse was also defiled. After the Jews repaired, cleansed and rededicated the Temple, the single small cruse of oil miraculously burned for eight days until new pure olive oil could be found. To commemorate this miracle, a new light each night is lit on the menorah during the eight days of Hanukkah.

The numbers seven and eight are symbolic.

The number seven symbolizes perfection – perfection that is possible by natural means. The Holy Temple's menorah, which lit the natural world with the radiance of holiness, had seven branches.

The number eight symbolizes that which is beyond nature and its limited perfection, one step above the natural order. The miracle of Hanukkah included the great faith and courage not part of normal human nature to battle the Greeks that greatly outnumbered them. God gave the Jews a miracle higher than nature – lasting eight days with the miracle of oil – celebrated by lighting the eight-branched menorah on Hanukkah.

While the light of the menorah of the Holy Temple was concealed in darkness, the menorah of Hanukkah is mandated to be revealed to the world. It is to be set in a window facing a public thoroughfare or in a doorway so the world may see the light and the great miracle that it represents.

It is to be lit only after it becomes dark outside and must contain enough fuel at the time of the lighting to burn until 30 minutes after nightfall.

Jesus fulfills the light of the golden candlesticks that is concealed, with natural perfection and holiness, as well as fulfilling the light of the Hanukkah light that is revealed, beyond nature and above natural order.

Jesus is the Light.

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." - John 1:4-5 KJV

“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." - John 12:46 KJV

"The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up." - Matthew 4:16 KJV (Isaiah 9:2)

"To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." - Luke 1:79 KJV

"A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." - Luke 2:32 KJV [“He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” – NLT]

"And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle." - Revelation 1:13 KJV

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12 KJV

When we obey the gospel (Acts 2:38) we become a light – light in the Lord.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." - Matthew 5:14-15 KJV

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" - Ephesians 5:8 KJV