why do christians not celebrate chanukkah?

Question

Chanukka marks the Jewish victory over Greek religious oppression led by Antiochus Epiphanes in 165 BCE, roughly 150 years before christ. There is no doubt that Jesus observed Hanukkah (like he observed all other Jewish Holidays) and if not for events surrounding Hanukkah, Judaism would have long been gone by the times of Jesus and so christinanity would not have a chance to develop either.

Answer 1

The original Christians (disciples) were devout Jews and celebrated all Jewish religious holidays, but when Christianity was exported to non-Jews, the Jewish traditions got replaced with pagan ones, to make it more "marketable", that is how we received Christmas and probably some other Christian holidays.

Answer 2

During the Middle Ages it became very embarrassing to the Church that there were whole communities of people living in Europe (IE: Jews) who (1) rejected the concept of Jesus as God or Messiah and (2) were prosperous and not at all degenerate.

So, during the Inquisition, a huge effort was made to "De-Judaize" Christianity. All traces of "Jewishness" were purged and banned.

Anyone caught celebrating a purely Jewish holiday, like Hanukkah, would have been exiled, at best -- probably tortured to death and/or burned alive.

Answer 3

Jesus was a basically orthodox Jew from the West Bank. Of course, he would have celebrated all the Jewish holidays.

Interesting note: The prophet Zechariah (in chapter 14) tells us that after the Messiah comes, the leaders of all the nations will join the Jews in Jerusalem to celebration the holiday of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles)

Answer 4

Even though Jesus was Jewish, we are not. While I understand the reverence that the Jewish faith has for it's Chanukka, we do not as Christians celebrate historical dates other than those related to Christ's life directly; His birth, death, etc.

But that is not to say that we do not remember it every year as the Jewish folk celebrate it. I'm reminded of that event whenever I see anything related to Hanukkah.

Answer 5

Actually, I DO celebrate Hanukkah (Chanukah). This year it begins on December 15, in the evening, which corresponds to 25 Chislev.

Jesus celebrated Hanukkah, and so I feel I am allowed to as well. As it is written: "Now Hanukkah was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter..." (John 10:22)

Answer 6

The celibration of the Holy Days of The Nation of Israel(the jews) is not a requirement of The Church... but is not forbidden either... There are 7 days (i believe) starting with 4? in the spring at Passover and then 3? in the fall, that are kosher for Christians to follow but for the life of me I can not recall the names... any others would be more judaic and for those still faithful to Judaic law...

Answer 7

because sadly the Christians are divorced from their true root in Judaism. we think we are different but we are just blind to the fact we are just different sects. However the better Q is why don't Christians observe the Feasts that we are commanded to (Passover, Sukkot, Rosh Hasaha, Yom kippur, and i cant remember the other three)

Answer 8

Because we have a new covenant with God through Christ. Not all Christians are from Jewish ancestry.

Christ came to save EVERYONE, but was prophesied in through the Jewish lineage.

Answer 9

This is a very common question, but a good one. You see, Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. Jews, however, do not. Jesus knew he was the Savior. It is up to us to find out for ourselves what we believe.
Merry Christmas!

Answer 10

Its a minor holiday for jews. Its popularized in the USA to protect their kids from Christmas