The Jews celebrate a tradition commemorating the victory of the Maccabees, a Jewish army, over the Syrians. The time of Hanukkah and the lighting of a menorah over the period of eight days celebrates giving glory to God for sustaining the Jews for eight days with one day's worth of oil until more could be obtained.
In 165 B.C. The Jews proclaimed victory over the Syrians and rededicated the Temple after the torment of King Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus outlawed Jewish rituals and dedicated their Temple to the worship of Zeus. He forced some of the Jews to eat the flesh and drink the blood of pigs, which was blasphemy, and ordered them to bow before him and worship him as God. It was also said that Antiochus declared his birthday be celebrated on the time around December 25, along with other pagan gods.
Some Jews gave in to the command, but the army of the Maccabees were angered and fought back to regain their cultural traditions and the possession of their Temple.
The Temple articles inside were destroyed. After repairing the damage, they wanted to relight the menorah, but only one flask with one day's oil was found. They lit one candle a day and miraculously they had enough oil for eight days, enough time to press more olive oil.
The Bible tells of antichrists that will come. 1 John tells that there are many antichrists. It tells that one will come who will be the Antichrist. But before that only types. Each antichrist, from Antiochus to perhaps Hitler, demonstrated a characteristic of the coming Antichrist who will deceive the whole world, and even some of the elect of God to rule over the World Government. He will torment the Jews, perhaps first making peace with them to gain their trust. He will want to be worshiped as a god. And he will want complete power and authority over the whole world.
Today's government is set up to host a man desiring that position. Maybe it's what the One World Government is setting up for, but without realizing the full potential of this leader. The Antichrist will deceive all the nations, demand worship, and will be possessed by Satan himself to challenge Jesus Christ for the final battle.
The same spirit of antichrist that tormented the Jews in 168 B.C. Will be the same spirit in the end times. The oil will be the Holy Spirit. And Antichrist will once more be defeated.
Resources
http://www.history.com/content/hanukkah/history-of-hanukkah
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