Why don't Christians celebrate Hanukkah?

[mDees]

Some Christians and those that call themselves Messianics do celebrate/observe and enjoy Hannukah.

Messianics are Jews and non-Jews who fellowship and worship together believing/assuredly knowing that Jesus/Yeshua is the Messiah.

The reason Hannukah is not commonly taught amongst 'Christians' is because in the 3rd and 4th century a concerted effort was made to rid the church of anything Jewish. Which if you think about it doesn't make sense since my risen savior, Jesus Christ (Hebrew-Yeshua) is Jewish.

Most people are not interested in the Jewish roots of Christianity which boggles my mind but that is my personal opinion, so back to topic.

The word Christian is first found in scriptures in Acts 11:26 "...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."

The word Christian is from the Greek, the word Messianic is from Hebrew.
So the early believers/followers of Jesus Christ, Yeshau Messiah observed the festivals.

Hannukah was celebrated by the early christian/messianic believers - don't forget all the apostles were Jews. It is a minor festival but an important one if you want to understand the outlook on life.

Jesus observed Hannukah, we know this because it is in John 10:22
"And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter."

The feast of the dedication is Hannukah.

(By the way there is a difference between biblical Judaism and contemporary Judaism.) If you are interested in learning about the connections of Judaism with Christianity you want to talk to a Messianic Rabbi or believer. Plus there are some good books.

This year I observed Hannukah and am really enjoying it. It make so much more sense than Christmas because Christmas was not started to celebrate the birth of Christ and he was not born on December 25th. Was just studying on it earlier today.

Hope this helps.
Shalom

[Hasdrubal]

because among lots of Christians, Jews are still considered the ones who put Jesus to death. I am not refering to Hakkunah especifically but anything Jew-related.

[renriq02]

it's the adopted child trying to claim the first born rights....

sibling rivalry!

Originally Posted by Hasdrubal

because among lots of Christians, Jews are still considered the ones who put Jesus to death. I am not refering to Hakkunah especifically but anything Jew-related.

[Goodpasture]

Originally Posted by mDees

.......The reason Hannukah is not commonly taught amongst 'Christians' is because in the 3rd and 4th century a concerted effort was made to rid the church of anything Jewish. Which if you think about it doesn't make sense since my risen savior, Jesus Christ (Hebrew-Yeshua) is Jewish.

Actually I think the church was rid of everything Jewish, including Jesus........

[quesodano]

The Festival of lights is a celebration commemorating the re-dedication of the temple and alter after it was defiled by Greeks. There is a folk tale of the oil thing but I haven't read proof of it. (even in Macabees the oil thing)

It seems really a sad to think of from a Jewish perspective. As their relationship with God centers on the temple and the Levitical priest hood. Its no more, and the celebration lives on.

Sad irony really.

Oh and by the way... the Festivals of the Jews you read about in the NT. The "Lords appointed times" are set out Initially in Leviticus 23. They are quoted as being holy and the words "perpetual statutes" appear a few times.

[bluepacific]

Originally Posted by bigthirsty

Why Don't Christians Celebrate Hanukah ?I mean I never have but thats probably because my family never did. I guess I don't understand why we don't..

Personally, I don't celebrate much of anything, but I will wish everyone "Happy Heineken", which is probably how most of those celebrations end up anyway.

Just kidding

[Fluffyjoy]

Hanukkah was celebrated before christianity was formed, so it should be recognized as a christian tradition too, right.There was the one branch of Judaism, then it split into christianity and jewish, but jewish culture and judaism is still part of the christian culture or tradition. Didn't the disciples celebrate it?What I'm wondering is how we stopped celebrating it. It's the same as remembering any other miracle that happened before christanity was formed. so I think christians should celebrate Hanukkah just like any other holiday.