"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Yahweh your Elohim which I command you." – Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4:2
Shalom! Today, we embark on a vital study, one that requires us to set aside preconceived notions and cultural comfort zones. We are here to examine two prominent annual observances: Christmas and Hannukah. In the modern world, these have become deeply ingrained, yet as followers of Yahshua, walking in the Way (Halakah) of Yahweh, our ultimate guide must always be the sacred scriptures.
Our goal is not to condemn individuals but to scrutinize practices through a Hebraic lens, asking a fundamental question: Are these traditions rooted in the pure Word of Yahweh, or do they carry the imprints of secular or even pagan origins? This inquiry is crucial because Yahweh has given us His perfect instructions, His Torah (Instruction), and has warned us against adding to or subtracting from His divine mandates. Our commitment is to Yahweh and His truth alone, allowing His Word to be the absolute factor in how we live, worship, and understand His Way.
The Authority of Scripture: Our Sole Compass
Before examining any tradition, we must firmly establish the unwavering authority of Yahweh's Word. It is the unmovable foundation for all truth and righteous living, a compass guiding us through the complexities of this world.
Yahweh's Word is Divinely Breathed and Perfect
The scriptures unequivocally declare that all scripture is given by inspiration of Elohim, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This profound truth tells us that the words penned by the prophets and apostles are not merely the word of man, but the very breath of Yahweh, living and active. Furthermore, Psalms (Tehillim) 19:7 proclaims that the Torah of Yahweh is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple. This speaks to the complete sufficiency and flawless nature of Yahweh's divine instruction, requiring no enhancement or alteration from human hands.
The Prohibition Against Adding or Subtracting
Yahweh explicitly warns His people against altering His commands. This is not a suggestion but an absolute imperative, as we read in Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4:2: "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Yahweh your Elohim which I command you." This imperative is echoed in Proverbs (Mishle) 30:5-6, which states, "Every word of Eloah is pure; He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." This divine principle ensures the purity and integrity of Yahweh's instructions, protecting His people from error, syncretism, and the corruption that arises when human ideas are blended with divine truth.
Yahshua's Stance on Traditions of Men
Yahshua Himself confronted those who prioritized man-made traditions over Yahweh's commandments. He declared: "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of Elohim by your tradition?" (Matthew (Mattityahu) 15:3). He further taught: "But in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew (Mattityahu) 15:9). This underscores that any tradition, regardless of how well-intentioned or ancient, must be weighed against the clear, unadulterated Word of Yahweh. Our "walking in the Way" (Halakah) must be in direct alignment with His revealed will, not with the customs and doctrines of men.
Examining Christmas: Origins and Scriptural Alignment
When we apply the compass of scripture to the observance of Christmas, we discover a striking contrast between popular tradition and divine instruction.
Historical Origins: A Fusion of Paganism and Custom
The scriptures do not provide a date for Yahshua's birth, nor do they command its annual observance. Instead, historical evidence reveals that December 25th was widely celebrated in the Roman Empire as the "Dies Natalis Solis Invicti" (Birthday of the Unconquered Sun), associated with pagan deities like Mithra and Saturn. The Roman Saturnalia festival, marked by feasting, gift-giving, and revelry, also occurred around this time. The adoption of December 25th by early Roman Christianity was an attempt at syncretism, assimilating pagan celebrations to make the transition to the new faith more palatable for converts. This was a deviation from the pure Hebraic faith that Yahshua embodied and taught. Furthermore, many Christmas practices are rooted in paganism. Decorated trees, for instance, were worshipped by ancient Germanic and Norse peoples as fertility symbols during winter solstice festivals. Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu) 10:2-4 describes a practice eerily similar to decorating trees, which Yahweh warns against: "Thus saith Yahweh, Learn not the way of the heathen... For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest... they deck it with silver and with gold." While fellowship and generosity are commendable, the context of extravagant gift-giving and feasting around December 25th mirrors the Saturnalia celebrations more than a biblical command.
Lack of Scriptural Precedent or Command
Yahshua never commanded His followers to celebrate His birth. Instead, He commanded remembrance of His sacrifice through the Passover (Pesach), stating, "This do in remembrance of Me" (Luke (Luqa) 22:19-20). The apostles and early assemblies observed the commanded Feasts of Yahweh, not a yearly celebration of Yahshua's birth. There is no scriptural precedent for celebrating the birth of the Messiah on December 25th, nor is there any directive for any annual birth celebration of the Messiah.
The Hebraic Perspective
Yahweh is specific in His appointed times (mo'edim) for His people, detailed in Leviticus (Vayiqra) 23. These are not merely historical commemorations but sacred rehearsals of His redemptive plan, each revealing profound truths about the Messiah. Introducing man-made traditions, especially those with clear pagan roots, is a violation of the principle of singular worship of Yahweh and His instructions alone. It dilutes the pure worship He desires, replacing His divine calendar with human customs.
Hebrew Word Study: חנוכה / *𐤇𐤍𐤅𐤊𐤄* (Channukah) [H2597]
To understand Hannukah, let us delve into the Hebrew understanding of the word "Channukah" itself, examining its ancient pictographic and linguistic nuances.
Word:* חנוכה / *𐤇𐤍𐤅𐤊𐤄* (Channukah) [H2597]
Pictographic Breakdown (based on the root חנך - chanakh)
**ח (Chet) / *𐤇* (Wall / Fence / Separate): This ancient pictograph represents a wall or fence, signifying a boundary, protection, or the act of setting something apart. It suggests something being enclosed, secured, or distinctly separated.
**נ (Nun) / *𐤍* (Seed / Continue / Life): The image of a seed or sprout depicts continuity, active life, or the next generation. It conveys the idea of ongoing growth and perpetuation.
**כ (Kaph) / *𐤊* (Palm / Hand / Work): This pictograph symbolizes the open palm or hand, either open to receive or closed to perform work. It represents effort, enabling, or applying force.
**ה (Heh) / *𐤄* (Behold / Reveal / Breath): Often indicates what is revealed, manifested, or the very breath of life.
Combined (for the root "chanakh," to dedicate/train)
The pictographic imagery suggests "to set apart (ח) life/growth (נ) through work/application (כ)." This eloquently describes the act of training a child (setting their life apart through teaching and discipline) or dedicating something (setting it apart for a specific purpose through intentional effort). The addition of the 'Heh' at the end of חנוכה often marks it as a feminine noun, further solidifying it as "the act of dedication" or "the process of setting apart."
Linguistic Nuance
The Hebrew word חנוכה (Channukah), meaning "dedication," stems from the verb root חנך (chanakh), which means "to dedicate, to train, to initiate." Its core meaning relates to the initial setting apart or training of something or someone for a specific purpose. In an ancient Eastern context, dedication was a concrete, functional act. When a building, a house, or an altar was dedicated, it was set apart from common use for a specific, often sacred, purpose. It was not merely a mental or spiritual acknowledgement but a physical and ceremonial act of demarcation. A misunderstanding often arises from a Greek/Western mindset which tends to spiritualize or abstract concepts. "Dedication" in Western thought can be an internal commitment. However, in Hebrew thought, dedication involves concrete action, a physical setting apart, a formal initiation into a new status or use. The "dedication" of the Temple was a tangible act of purifying and setting the physical structure apart for Yahweh's service after its defilement.
Examining Hannukah: History, Tradition, and the Temple
With this Hebraic understanding of "dedication," let us now examine the origins and nature of Hannukah.
Historical Context: Maccabean Revolt and Rededication
Hannukah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Greeks in the 2nd century BCE. The Greeks, under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, had brutally desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem, stopping the daily sacrifices and installing an idol. Following their victory, Judah Maccabee and his followers rededicated the Temple (which the word "Channukah" signifies) and restored the pure worship of Yahweh. This valiant event, celebrating the triumph of faithfulness over assimilation, is chronicled in the apocryphal books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, not in the Tanakh (Old Covenant scriptures). The tradition of the single cruse of oil miraculously lasting eight days to light the menorah (lampstand) is found in the Talmud, not in the Maccabean books themselves.
Not a Commandment, but a Commemoration
Unlike the Feasts ordained by Yahweh in Leviticus (Vayiqra) 23 (Passover (Pesach), Unleavened Bread (Matzot), Firstfruits (Bikkurim), Weeks (Shavuot), Trumpets (Yom Teruah), Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and Tabernacles (Sukkot)), Hannukah is not found in the Torah. It is a post-Torah, man-instituted commemoration of a historical victory and rededication. It arose from a time when faithful Israelites fought for the purity of Yahweh's worship and adherence to His Torah. While it celebrates an important historical event of commitment to Yahweh, it remains a tradition established by men, not by divine decree.
Yahshua's Presence at the Feast of Dedication
It is recorded that Yahshua was in Jerusalem during the "Feast of Dedication" (Channukah) (John (Yochanan) 10:22-23). However, a crucial understanding is required here: Yahshua's presence does not equate to His *endorsement* or *commandment* to observe Hannukah as an eternal ordinance. He was present in the Temple courts, teaching and confronting the religious leaders, during a culturally recognized event. His actions do not establish it as a divine mandate for His followers. His focus remained on Yahweh's commanded Torah and His role as the Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies embedded within Yahweh's true appointed times.
The Hebraic Choice
While Hannukah has a distinctly Hebraic historical context and celebrates resistance to assimilation and dedication to Torah, it remains a man-made tradition. As followers of Yahshua, we are called to discern between Yahweh's eternal commands and well-meaning, yet uncommanded, traditions. Our primary focus must be on the **mo'edim** (appointed times) that Yahweh Himself instituted, for these alone are His sacred calendar for His people.
Living by Scripture in the Way
The journey of walking in the Way (Halakah) of Yahweh is one of continual growth and refinement, demanding constant alignment with His pure Word.
Discernment: Filtering Through Yahweh's Word
Our walk must be characterized by discernment. We must constantly ask: "Does this practice, celebration, or belief align perfectly with Yahweh's revealed Word?" While Romans (Romiyim) 14 speaks to matters of conscience on non-commanded practices, it does not give license to participate in practices that overtly contradict Yahweh's commands or are rooted in paganism. Yahweh's commands are absolute. The Set-Apart Spirit (Ruach Ha Qodesh) guides us into all truth (John (Yochanan) 16:13), illuminating Yahweh's Word for our understanding, enabling us to differentiate between the holy and the profane.
Returning to Yahweh's Appointed Times (Mo'edim)
Instead of man-made holidays, Yahweh has given His people His divine calendar of Feasts (Leviticus (Vayiqra) 23). These are His "appointed times" (mo'edim), sacred rehearsals that teach us about the Messiah and His redemptive plan from beginning to end. These are not "Jewish holidays" but "Feasts of Yahweh" that reveal profound truths about Yahshua, His first coming, and His glorious return. By observing these, we align ourselves with Yahweh's divine rhythms and prophetic timeline.
Love for Truth and Obedience
Our love for Yahweh is demonstrated by our obedience to His commandments (John (Yochanan) 14:15). This means actively seeking to understand and walk in all His ways, allowing His Word to be the final authority in every decision. Let us be vigilant to avoid mixing the holy with the profane, the pure with the impure. Yahweh desires our worship to be "in spirit and in truth" (John (Yochanan) 4:24), a worship that reflects His absolute authority and perfect will, unblemished by human invention or pagan influence.
Concluding Thought / Application Question
The journey of walking in the Way (Halakah) of Yahweh is one of continual growth and refinement. It requires us to constantly align our lives, our worship, and our traditions with the unshakeable truth of His Word. May we have the courage and the conviction to let the scriptures be the absolute factor in every aspect of our faith journey.
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