God Dwelling With His People

The restoration of the Temple was more than a national or historical victory; it symbolized God’s longing to shakan (שָׁכַן)—to dwell among His people. When the Temple was rededicated, the return of the divine presence, known as the Shekhinah (שְׁכִינָה), signaled that God’s nearness, glory, and holiness were once again filling sacred space. It was a reminder that God does not remain distant or detached; He chooses to be present.

Through Yeshua, this idea of dwelling took on an even deeper meaning. God’s presence was no longer confined to a single building or location. Instead, His dwelling place expanded beyond stone walls and entered the lives of His people. God now resides not only among us, but within us. Hanukkah reminds us that from the beginning, God’s desire has always been relationship—closeness rather than distance, intimacy rather than formality.

In today’s culture, however, presence has become increasingly rare. We are constantly distracted, over-committed, and digitally connected yet emotionally distant. Many of us live at a relentless pace that leaves little room for stillness or awareness of God’s nearness. Hanukkah invites us to slow down and remember that God is not asking us to build something grand in order to meet Him. He is already here, longing for our attention and our openness.

Applying this truth to our lives means learning to create space for God’s presence in the ordinary moments of our day. It can look like inviting Him into conversations, decisions, and even our struggles, rather than reserving spirituality for specific times or places. When we choose presence—whether with God or with others—we mirror His desire to dwell with us.

A simple practice for today: choose one moment to be fully present. Light the fifth candle and sit quietly for a few minutes without your phone or distractions. Acknowledge God’s nearness with a short prayer, a verse, or even a deep breath offered in gratitude. Then carry that awareness forward by being intentionally present with someone else—listening without rushing, speaking with kindness, or offering patience where it’s usually thin.

The message of Hanukkah is not only that God once dwelled in the Temple, but that He still chooses to dwell with His people. When we make room for His presence in our lives, even in small and imperfect ways, we become living sanctuaries—places where His light, love, and holiness can be felt in the world.

~ Pam ~