The feast of Dedication in Hebrew is Hanukkah (Ha-nuk-kah). This Feast is referenced in John 10:22-42 and is also known as the Festival of Lights. Yahushua is seen during this Feast in the Temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The origin of Hanukkah is recalled in the Apocrypha as a historical account in the book of Maccabees. The Jews receive deliverance from the Greco-Assyrian persecution and tyranny and took back their Temple in 164 BC. The Temple was desecrated as sacrifices of swine (pig) and other unclean animals were offered up to idols. The pagan rulers continued to impose pressure upon the Jews.
(1 Maccabees chapter one verse 44-49)
The Bible states that once a sinner is saved by accepting Yahushua, He will send forth a powerful Helper. This power of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) will reside in our bodies, as we are the Temple of Yahweh’s Spirit.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18 RSB, And what agreement does the temple of Elohim have with idols? For ye are the temple of the living Elohim; as Elohim hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith Yahweh, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith Yahweh Almighty.
How fitting this correlation that His temple (your body) be kept Holy and warned us not to desecrate our bodies. Keeping clean foods (kosher) in our diet would alleviate many ailments plaguing believers. Kefa/Peter, an apostle, continued to eat clean foods, as noted in the New Testament (Acts 10:14). Today, many in the body of Christ violate their physical temple by eating unclean foods and suffering untold sicknesses. Our body is the Temple of Yahweh’s Spirit, and we must sweep out the unclean elements. Rededication of your temple is what Hanukkah is all about! Stay clear of all the pagan influences; many are seen and unseen. Get rid of what has crept into your homes, as did the early church (Acts 19:19). A pet demon can fester your soul and body if you keep idols!
The millennial Temple will be dedicated during Messiah’s reign on Earth during the Feast of Dedication. On the Hebrew calendar, the Feast of Dedication is celebrated in the third month of the civil year and the ninth month of the ecclesiastical year.
One of the themes in the Brit Hadashah is to remain faithful when persecution arrives at your door (Matthew 5:10-12, 1 Corinthians 4:12, 2 Corinthians 4:9). A great persecution will encounter the body of believers just before Messiah returns (Revelation 2:10, 13:10).
According to Jewish tradition, only one day’s supply of Temple oil remained after the desecration during the rededication of the Temple. The Temple Menorah was lit in faith and continued to burn brightly for eight days. Yahushua is the Light of the world, and soon a day will approach when the Father and Son will dispel the darkness from the Earth (Revelation 21:22-27). The Menorah represents the Church assembly and symbolizes the Tree of Life, designed by our Creator (Rev. 1:20).