Part Two
The Connection Between Hanukkah and Christmas
HANUKKAH - A PREVIEW OF THE ANTI-MESSIAH
THE INVASION AND DESECRATION OF GOD’S HOLY TEMPLE
Hellenism, Satan’s attempt to overthrow the worship of the One True God, was a “progressive” globalization strategy for a new world order, under the control of one ruling supreme political leader, and a one world religion.
The Hanukkah story centers around the infamous Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Greek-Syrian leader, who came into power 175 B.C.. His abominable agenda, historically and appropriately was called Hellenism. As Satan’s ambassador, he attempt to overthrow the worship of the One True God, by honoring pagan gods that were worshipped by the Gentile nations, having various names but all were demonically rooted. It was part of the continual anti-Jewish anti-Semitic quest of Satan. Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Alexander the Great, Antiochus IV Epiphanes continued with the conquest of the known world. His all consuming aggressive strategy was for the unification of the world through Greek religion, Greek philosophy, Greek culture, and Greek language. This was a “progressive” globalization strategy for a new world order, under the control of one ruling supreme political leader, and a one world religion. This Hellenistic global agenda was aimed at the obliteration of the knowledge of the One True Living God, His Holy Word, and all His chosen people who loved, worshipped, and obeyed His commandments.
The popular pagan celebration known as “the birthday of the unconquered sun” (also called “Winter Solstice”) was celebrated annually on December 25th, for the worship of the great “invincible sun god”—“Zeus Soter” or “Zeus the savior”
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, empowered by Satan, invaded Yahveh Almighty’s holy temple on Mount Zion. In demonic zeal he erected in the Most Holy Place, an idol of Zeus, worshipped by the world conquering Greek empire, as the “supreme sovereign of the universe.” [See footnote 1] The idol of Zeus was fashioned with the very face of Antiochus, who considered himself to be the visible manifestation of the exalted deity of the pagan world. On the holy altar of Yahveh Almighty’s temple, Antiochus, with defiant pride and rebellion, offered the biblically forbidden pig to the Greek god Zeus. He purposely committed this “abomination of desolation” in the holy temple on Kislev/December 25, 168 B.C.. (Daniel 9:27) The popular pagan celebration known as “the birthday of the unconquered sun” (also called “Winter Solstice”) was celebrated annually on December 25th, for the worship of the great “invincible sun god”—“Zeus Soter” or “Zeus the savior”. “Zeus the father of gods and men, also known as Jupiter, “the light bringer,” by the Romans, was viewed as a supreme deity, the beginning and end of all things.” [See footnote 2] Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose name means “God made manifest,” attempted to manifest and exalt the Greek god Zeus and to obliterate the knowledge, supremacy, and worship of the Holy One of Israel.
Satan, through Antiochus, was flexing his defiant muscles once again against the God and Creator of heaven and earth, his arch enemy who had cast him and his fallen angels (demonic host), out of heaven. (Revelation 12:7-10) The Ancient Serpent lost the war in heaven but was proclaiming a victory on earth, basically saying through Antiochus, “I’ve won dominion over the earth, Your temple, Your throne, and I will have the worship of all people, including Your chosen people the Jews.” Antiochus sprinkled the blood of the swine in the Holy of Holies and poured its abhorrent broth over the sacred scrolls [the word of God] and proceeded to cut and burn them. In his prideful rebellion, Antiochus was essentially proclaiming to the Most High God, “My rulership, my laws, my will, my pagan days in place of Your rulership, will, laws and holy days, which I am “throwing to the ground” under my all powerful feet.” (see Isaiah 14:13, Daniel 7:25, 8:12) The nation of Israel was shocked, traumatized, and left appallingly desolate!
Anyone found clinging, in loving allegiance to the Most High God of Israel and biblical truth, jeopardized their lives and the lives of their entire family.
“Satan, who is the ruler and god of this world”, through the religion and god of Hellenism, waged war against the God of Israel and His Jewish people. (John 12:31, 2 Corinthians 4:4) All Jewish people throughout the land were required to worship Zeus [in essence Satan]. There could be no middle ground. Antiochus issued explicit orders against all and everything that pertained to the worship of the Holy One, His written Word, including strict edicts against honoring the Sabbath day and the biblically ordained holy days. (see Daniel 7:25) Anyone found clinging in loving allegiance to the Most High God of Israel and biblical truth, jeopardized their lives and the lives of their entire family. Some of the people preferred to live as Hellenized Jews and adopted many of the pagan customs through spiritual compromise and assimilation. This rebellious group willingly apostatized by forsaking the Most High God and His holy Word. However, there were many of God’s chosen people the Jews who refused to forsake the One True Living God, they would not bow their knee to any other god or idol, even if it cost them their lives.
A number of Jews fled to the wilderness; many suffered intensely under the anti-Semitic atrocities of Antiochus, because they despised everything that was a by-product of Hellenism. Thousands willingly lost their lives through horrendous tortures, in order to refrain from apostasy. This righteous remnant resolved to remain faithful to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, regardless of the cost. Another inspirational example was a courageous woman, Hannah and her seven sons, who refused to bow down to Antiochus’ idolatrous demands. She watched her seven sons go valiantly to a martyr’s death in the space of a single day, yet she bore it bravely because she put her unshakable trust in Yahveh the Most High God. As the book of Hebrews records, “… others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection … those [martyrs] of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:35,38).
The Hanukkah story continues with Judah Maccabee, renown for his faith filled courage. He was called “the Maccabee”, the hammer because of his valiant tenacity to shatter and scatter his enemies. Judah led a small group of Jews in an extraordinary defeat of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and his fortified Greek-Syrian battalions. This victory on December 25, 165 B.C. was three years to the day after Antiochus’ desecration of the temple. Hanukkah, is the overthrow of Gentile rule and pagan defilement. This righteous remnant of true worshippers, refused to bow down to a pagan god. They resolved to never break the holy covenant, the Ten Commandments and His immutable Word. Their spiritual backbone was fortified by their loving obedience to the first commandment, “Thou shall have no other gods before Me” and “thou shalt love Yahveh thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Exodus 20:2-3, Deuteronomy 6:5) Yahveh Almighty was with them! They defeated Antiochus and his anti-Semitic battalions and marched into the desecrated temple in Jerusalem. They removed the statue of the Greek god Zeus, “the abomination that caused the desolation”, the departure of Yahveh’s holy presence and glory. (Daniel 12:11, Matthew 24:15) This victorious faithful remnant cleansed all the defiling influences in order to rededicate the temple to the Holy One of Israel. The light of the menorah, the holy candelabra, was lit and burned for eight days, symbolizing the restored glorious presence of the Most High God in the purified temple.
We will need great overcoming power in these perilous anti-truth last days, where all of these historical facts of the Hanukkah story, point to the ultimate replay through the anti- messiah, doing beyond what Antiochus did.
These historical accounts of unwavering faith, and courageous loyalty serve as a mighty example to us who are being prepared for great persecution for our faith, as the anti-messiah (antichrist) agenda progresses towards its fruition at the close of the age. Yahshua (Jesus) says, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you … If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:18, 20). As redeemed children, we too must be found faithful and obedient to our Holy God and Savior. We will need great overcoming power in these perilous anti-truth last days, where all of these historical facts of the Hanukkah story, point to the ultimate replay through the anti-messiah (antichrist), doing beyond what Antiochus did. This time it will be against all Jewish and Gentile believers in the true Messiah. Satan, through the anti-messiah (antichrist), with the global multitudes who follow him, will harbor his murderous hatred and intolerance toward the obedient redeemed righteous remnant and “make war” against them. As it is written, this calls for “the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Yahshua [Jesus]” (Revelation 13:7, 12:17, 14:12).
The righteous remnant who wholeheartedly obey and cling to their Savior will be given supernatural grace and faith from the Holy Spirit in the face of the greatest tribulation, persecution, and martyrdom of the saints, as previewed by the Hanukkah story of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the Jewish people. Although these realities are hard to bear, the New Testament and biblical accounts of all those who have been martyred is filled with exhortations and inspiration regarding the true cost of being a sold out, faith filled, loving obedient follower of Yahshua (Jesus), the true Messiah. Our Savior said, “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” “Faith is the victory that overcomes the world” (John 16:33, 1 John 5:4).
Footnotes
1 Nelson Beecher Keys, Story of the Bible World (Pleasantville, NY: The Reader’s Digest Association, 1962), p 109.
2 Webster’s New Riverside University Dictionary, 2d ed., s.v. “Zeus.”
For Additional Teachings on Hanukkah
