From Hanukkah to Christmas: When the Light Came In

How a Jewish girl’s first Christmas tree led to a revelation about the Light of the world

“So what’s a good Jewish girl like me doing with a Christmas tree?”

It was 1969 in Greenwich Village. Just months earlier I had encountered the power of Jesus, and now I was excited to have my very first Christmas tree. It wasn’t about twinkling lights or shiny ornaments—it was about the miracle of Jesus being born in the filthy stable of my heart.

My friend Ruthie—another brand-new Jewish believer—and I walked a few blocks down to St. Mark’s Place, bought a tree, and hauled it back to our loft apartment, lugging it up four flights of stairs. That tree was more than decoration. It was a testimony of new life in Jesus.

When Scripture Opened My Eyes

That first Christmas was all about the wonder of His birth in my heart. But years later, it became something more.

When I read John 10:22—“At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem” (NASB)—I saw something new. I realized John was referring to Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.

In that moment, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes: Jesus Himself celebrated Hanukkah, standing in the temple as the Light of the world. What once seemed like tradition became revelation, alive with meaning.

The Story Behind Hanukkah

The story of Hanukkah takes us back to the time of King Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who desecrated the temple in Jerusalem by erecting idols and demanding sacrifices to false gods. In response, the Maccabees rose up to fight for their faith and their people.

They fought fiercely to reclaim the temple. When victory came, they tore down the idols and cleansed it from defilement. Once purified, they set everything in order to rededicate the temple to God, the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

But there was one problem—only enough consecrated oil remained to keep the lamp burning for a single day. Miraculously, that small supply burned for eight days and nights, until new oil arrived. The eternal light never went out.

What This Means for Us Today

As believers, our hearts are no longer filthy stables—they have become the temple of the Holy Spirit, where Jesus declares: “I am the light of the world.” And we carry His light wherever we go.

We are all grafted into Israel (Romans 11:17; Ephesians 2:19). This means you can, if you desire, celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas too. But what might that look like?

It may look like pausing in the middle of this season to let the Holy Spirit examine your heart, to repent of anything that separates you from His love, and to rededicate your life—your temple—to the One who calls you to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as yourself.

Let Your Light Shine

Love never fails. And when we live in that love, our lights shine.

Jesus said:

“Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”(Matthew 5:16)

In a world distracted by decorations, traditions, and pressure to perform, both Christmas and Hanukkah remind us of something far greater:

The Light has come, and His love still burns bright.

If this reflection spoke to you, consider taking a moment this season to rededicate your heart to the Lord, comment below so I can pray for you,

—and let His light shine through you.