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12.16.2014 | SPRINGFIELD -- The first night of Hanukkah was celebrated in Springfield's Court Square with the lighting of a giant menorah. Here, City Councilors Bud Williams (third from right), Kateri Walsh (second from right) and Thomas Ashe (far right) are introduced during the ceremony.

(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

An update to this story was posted here at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD — Jaws dropped in Springfield's Court Square Tuesday afternoon when Springfield City Councilor Bud Williams offered his take on the annual city menorah lighting ceremony.

"Jesus is the reason for the season," Williams said during remarks at the ceremony that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

Following short speeches by Congressman Richard Neal of Springfield and Mayor Domenic Sarno, who both touched on the history of religion in Springfield, Williams was handed the microphone and uttered the line that had people talking long after the ceremony ended.

Williams no doubt was referencing Jesus Christ, whose birth is celebrated every Dec. 25 by Christians worldwide ... but not by Jews.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah celebrates two miracles, neither of which are attributed to Jesus: