The Tabernacle in the wilderness, and then the holy Temple in Jerusalem, contained in the Holy Place a menorah with seven golden candlesticks. These candlesticks were fueled by pure oil, symbolic of the Holy Spirit of God. The lights were to burn continually, providing the only light within the tabernacle. The light from the menorah was concealed, seen only by the priests that ministered within the tabernacle. (Leviticus 24:1-3)

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 Hanukah menorah has eight branches. 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.

Jesus fulfills the light of the seven golden candlesticks with natural perfection and holiness, that was concealed until the fulness of time was come.

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." - Galatians 4:4-5 KJV

Jesus also fulfills the light of the eight candlesticks of the Hanukkah menorah 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. ... That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." - John 1:4, 9 KJV

The lights of the eight branched Hanukkah are 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.

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

"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." - John 9:5 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