Is Hanukkah in the Bible? What Every Christian Needs to Know

Have you ever heard of Hanukkah and wondered, “Is that even in the Bible?” Maybe you’ve seen it in a movie or heard Jewish friends talk about it, but you're not sure what it means—and more importantly, what it has to do with your Christian faith.

In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Hanukkah as a Christian, what the Bible says (and doesn’t say), and why it might be more relevant to your faith than you realized.

What Is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight nights and days, usually falling in late November to December on the Gregorian calendar.

At its heart, Hanukkah commemorates:

• The rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem
• A miraculous provision of oil that lasted 8 days
• The Jewish people’s victory over oppression during the Maccabean Revolt (2nd century BCE)

It’s a celebration of God’s faithfulness, light in darkness, and spiritual resilience—sound familiar?

So… Is Hanukkah in the Bible?

The short answer: Yes—sort of.

Hanukkah is not mentioned in the Old Testament, because the events occurred after the last books of the Old Testament were written.

But Hanukkah is mentioned in the New Testament—and Jesus Himself observed it.

“Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch.”
— John 10:22–23 (NKJV)

The “Feast of Dedication” mentioned here? That’s Hanukkah.

Let that sink in: Jesus celebrated Hanukkah.

Hanukkah and the Story Behind It

The events that inspired Hanukkah are recorded in the Books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, part of the Apocrypha—ancient Jewish texts not included in the Protestant Bible, but found in Catholic and Orthodox canons.

The story goes like this:

• Around 167 BC, the Seleucid king Antiochus IV outlawed Jewish worship and defiled the temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar.
• A Jewish priest, Mattathias, and his sons (including Judah Maccabee) led a revolt to reclaim their temple and faith.
• After three years of war, the Jews retook Jerusalem and cleansed and rededicated the temple.
• They found only one jar of oil left undefiled—just enough for one night—but miraculously it lasted eight nights.

This is where the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah comes from.

Jesus and Hanukkah: Why It Matters

John 10:22 tells us that Jesus walked in the Temple during Hanukkah. What follows is a powerful moment in which He declares His divine identity to religious leaders.

He doesn’t reject the festival. In fact, He honors it by being present in the Temple during it.

This matters because it shows us:

1. Jesus respected Jewish tradition (when it glorified God)
2. Jesus used the setting of Hanukkah to reveal Himself as the Light of the World (John 8:12)
3. Jesus didn’t separate Himself from Israel’s past victories, but walked in the legacy of God’s deliverance

Is it biblical to celebrate Hanukkah as a Christian?

Celebrating Hanukkah as a Christian is not required—but it is biblically connected.

Unlike Passover, which is commanded in the Torah, Hanukkah is a historical and traditional observance. But the spiritual themes of light, deliverance, and dedication are consistent with the gospel.

If you celebrate Hanukkah as a way to honor God’s faithfulness and remember spiritual heritage, it's both meaningful and appropriate.

What does Hanukkah teach Christians?

Hanukkah teaches us:

• God shows up in dark times.
• Faithfulness under pressure is part of the journey.
• God honors those who rededicate themselves to Him.
• Even a little oil (faith) can burn brightly with God’s help.

Should Christians light a Hanukkiah (Hanukkah menorah)?

It’s not necessary, but it can be a powerful symbol.

Lighting the hanukkiah (a special 9-branched menorah) is a tradition, not a command. The central candle (the shamash) lights the others—just like Jesus, the Light of the World, lights up our lives.

If done with reverence and focus on God’s presence and miracles, it can be an act of worship, not religion.

Is Hanukkah the same as Christmas?

No. Hanukkah and Christmas are different in origin and meaning:

Hanukkah	Christmas
Commemorates the rededication of the Temple	Celebrates Jesus' birth
Based on the Maccabean revolt and miracle of oil	Based on the incarnation of Christ
8 nights of light and remembrance	1 day (or 12 days) of celebration

However, both celebrate God’s light breaking into darkness, which makes them spiritually harmonious.

7 Reasons Christians Should Know About Hanukkah

1. It Helps You Understand Jesus Better

Jesus didn’t just fulfill the Torah—He lived within Jewish tradition. Understanding Hanukkah brings color and context to His ministry.

2. It Honors God’s Deliverance

Just like Passover or Resurrection Sunday, Hanukkah remembers how God stepped in and rescued His people.

3. It Teaches Spiritual Dedication

The root of “Hanukkah” means "dedication." What area of your life needs rededication to God?

4. It Encourages Faith in God’s Provision

The oil lasting eight days is a reminder that God multiplies what we surrender—even when it feels like not enough.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9

5. It Cultivates Gratitude for Religious Freedom

The Maccabees fought for the right to worship. Today, millions still suffer for their faith. Hanukkah helps us not take spiritual freedom for granted.

6. It Connects You to Spiritual Heritage

Romans 11 reminds us we are grafted into the promises given to Israel. Learning these traditions deepens our roots.

“...you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap…”
— Romans 11:17

7. It Celebrates the Light of Christ

Jesus is the true light (John 1:4–5). Hanukkah is a beautiful time to remember that darkness never wins.

How Can I Honor Hanukkah as a Christian?

Here are a few simple, respectful ways to observe Hanukkah:

1. Read John 10 and 1 Maccabees (for historical context)
2. Light a candle each night and pray for areas where you need God’s light
3. Dedicate or re-dedicate your life to God
4. Worship with songs about light and freedom
5. Teach your children about God’s miracles in Jewish history
6. Share the Light of Christ with others

 Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be Jewish to appreciate the power of Hanukkah. It’s a story of courage, perseverance, rededication, and the miraculous light of God shining when hope was nearly gone.

Hanukkah is not a command for Christians, but it points us toward the heart of God—a God who shows up in the darkest hour, who multiplies what little we have, and who calls us to be set apart.

So next time you see a menorah glowing or hear about the Festival of Lights, let your heart remember this:

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5 (NIV)

Amen.