Kislev — כִּסְלֵו
The 9th Biblical Month is all about WONDER
2025: November 21 (sunset) - December 21 (sunset)
Kislev (“kee-SLEV”) is one of the darkest months of the year, with days getting shorter and nights getting longer. In fact, the Winter Solstice often occurs in Kislev when candles and fires in the fireplace seem especially cozy.
The standout occasion linked to Kislev is Hanukkah, the “Feast of Dedication” that Jesus attended with His community (John 20:10). Hanukkah, starting on the 24th day of the month, marks the rededication of Jerusalem’s Second Temple following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. You can read about it in The Books of the Maccabees in the Protestant Apocrypha.
According to tradition, a tiny amount of oil, only enough to last one day, burned brightly for eight days in the Temple’s menorah. To remember the miracle of victory and light of Hanukkah, flames are kindled every year to celebrate. The practice of adding one flame each night, until all eight wicks are lit, was familiar to first-century believers. In fact, leaders at the time discussed two ways of lighting the flames as part of this especially festive occasion.
During this month of wonder, when the theme of rededication fills the air, it seems fitting to rededicate our lives to the Lord. Even the little you have to offer may become the miracle you’ve always needed.
While the month of Kislev doesn’t have a lot of historical events associated with it in the Bible, the second Book of the Maccabees (found in the Septuagint) recalls the story of Hanukkah.
Hanukkah
December 14 (sunset) - 22 (sunset)
Hanukkah began as a belated celebration of the fall Festival of Booths (Sukkot). Why? Because when Sukkot arrived in 164 BC, Jews were too busy defending themselves in wartime to keep the Feast. So, they postponed the celebration a couple of months until they recaptured and purified the Temple in the month of Kislev. This became their Sukkot. For eight days, they celebrated, offering hymns of praise and waving palm branches.
Also notable in Kislev is a blessing given on the 24th day of this month, through the prophet Haggai saying, “From this day on I will bless you” (Haggai 2:19). That blessing extends to you today! If you need a blessing in your life, take hold and apply it in this wondrous month!