As December’s festivities approach, many wonder: Should we celebrate Christmas or focus on Hanukkah?
In a recent video, prophetic voice Perry Stone offered a compelling look at both, showing that whether Jewish or Christian, both celebrations point to spiritual truths—most importantly, Jesus as the Light of the World.
As Stone notes, Hanukkah’s story begins in 168 BC, during a turbulent time in Jewish history.
Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jewish Temple, built an altar to his god Zeus, and even “offered a pig on the altar…which completely desecrated and defiled the Jewish temple.” Jews were no longer allowed to celebrate the Sabbath, circumcise their sons or observe the Torah’s feasts.
In response, a Jewish high priest and his five sons led a revolt. After three years, Judah Maccabee and his militia liberated the Temple and rededicated it.
During the rededication, they found only one jar of consecrated oil, “and they had enough oil to last for one day. But supernaturally… the Menorah at the temple burnt for eight days.” This miracle of the oil gave birth to Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication. Stone notes, “Hanukkah is actually a word that refers to the time of dedication and the time of dedication at the temple.”
While not part of the Torah’s seven prescribed feasts, Hanukkah was observed in Jesus’ time: “John 10:22-23 reads… it was at Jerusalem the Feast of Dedication…and Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.”
Modern Hanukkah customs include lighting the Menorah, enjoying foods fried in oil and exchanging gifts. These practices remind believers of God’s faithfulness, freedom and the triumph of light over darkness. Stone emphasizes the more profound spiritual connection: “Jesus said in John, ‘I am the Light of the world’…during this season to demonstrate that He was the Light of the world.”
Traditional Christmas also has a fascinating history, as Stone notes. The exact date of Jesus’ birth is unknown, and Dec. 25 was chosen in the 4th century to align with the Roman winter solstice. Early Christian traditions, particularly in Germany and the Nordic regions, shaped Christmas customs like the evergreen tree and gift-giving. St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop, inspired the practice of giving gifts to children: “He was known for giving gifts to poor children…he threw bags of gold through their windows and also put money in shoes and stockings.”
Stone reminds believers that both Hanukkah and Christmas are traditions with a profound meaning to them: “Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or whether you celebrate traditional Christmas…both are based on traditions. Both have a spiritual significance.” He encourages honoring Christ while following one’s conscience: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…don’t go against your own conscience.”
Ultimately, both celebrations point to the Light of the World. Hanukkah’s candles symbolize God’s miracle and deliverance, while Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, the promised Messiah. Whether lighting the Menorah or decorating the Christmas tree, the focus is the same: “Christ, the true Light shining in the darkness,” bringing hope to a world in need.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
