Throughout the holidays we have spent time understanding some of the Jewish Holidays that were incorporated during Old Testament times. These feasts and festivals were but a shadow of the reality that pointed to the coming of Christ. This holiday will be a bit different. Instead of finding it’s beginnings in the Old Testament, it originates during the time between the Old and New Testaments. The story itself can be found in 1 & 2 Maccabbees, which is a book that is in the Apocrypha of the Catholic Bible. If you are interested in learning more about it’s history, this site will give you more history.

The word Hanukkah means “dedication” and this holiday is in remembrance of the rededication of the Temple of God about 150 years before Christ was born. They Syrians had overrun Israel and forced the Jews to blaspheme the temple by sacrificing pigs in it and bowing down to the Syrian idols. One priest, Mattathias, along with his five sons (good number, huh!), refused and formed a band of rebels that fought three years of guerrilla warfare in the mountains and caves around Jerusalem. After three years, the Syrians were finally driven away and the temple was rebuilt and cleansed. In the restoration of the temple, the candlestick of the temple was found (which should always be lit), but only one days worth of purified oil was found. It takes eight days to make the oil that was required for the candlestick. The Jewish people believe a miracle took place as the days worth of oil lasted eight days - long enough to make more and keep the candlestick burning. This is why, during Hanukkah, a minorah with eight candles is a significant symbol of God’s presence among His people.

Jesus celebrated the Festival of Lights and it is just prior to the celebration that Jesus makes this claim. It is during this festival that He makes this claim.

What do you think Jesus’ purpose was in saying these things surrounding this festival? (I guess you have to read the links )

I love observing how God announces His purpose in pictures that He has painted years and years before the “reality” takes place.

Dan Gutwein is the father of Austin Gutwein, who founded Hoops of Hope. They are from the church I served at for fourteen years in Arizona. He sent this note that I wanted to pass along to you. We had six students participate in Hoops of Hope and, simply by shooting baskets for one cold afternoon, they have effectively changed the lives of six students in Africa. That’s pretty sweet!

Dean,

Dan

Here is a link to the video of the NBC Nightly News story. There is also a Blog which is rather funny to read, yet offers a strong challenge to us all. I’d encourage you to check these out.

I just recieved this email from Dan Gutwein, whose son, Austin is the one who started Hoops of Hope. We were able to meet with them when we went back to Arizona in November. It is so inspiring to me to see what can happen when one pre-teen boy has a vision for what God can do through him. I hope this will inspire all of us to pursue dreams that God plants in our hearts to make a difference in this world.

It’s been almost a week since the event so I hope your arms are feeling better J I wanted to send you a quick update and let you know what God did through you during this year’s event. So far (we still have one location doing Hoops of Hope), you’ve raised right at $45,000 for the Johnathan Sim Legacy School in Twachyanda, Zambia. This combined with the $60,000 already raised by Kelly Sim for the school means the SCHOOL WILL BE BUILT!! How awesome to think because you took a day and did a basketball marathon, over 440 kids will be able to go to school next year, many for the first time. In addition, 3 teacher houses will also be constructed. These kids will be able to get an education and most importantly will learn that God loves them. Just sit and think about that thought for a while J. You guys are awesome!
One thing for sure, you’ve made God smile. Please reply back when you get a chance and share your story with us.

p.s. The NBC Nightly News special on Hoops of Hope is scheduled to air Friday night, December 8th, on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.