At that time the Feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah) took place at Jerusalem; it was winter (December) and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon" (John 10:22-23).
Hanukkah or the Feast of Dedication dates back to 165 BC when Judas Maccabeus led a revolt against Antiochus Epiphanes, who ruled the Asiatic segment of the Greek empire. Antiochus had desecrated the Temple by setting up a statue of himself in the sanctuary and offering a pig on the altar. As the Temple was cleansed, the Jews found only one day's supply of oil for the 7-branch candelabra. However, the oil lasted for 8 days. This feast celebrates that event. It is most significant that Jesus was at the Temple during this event. While there, He identified and made known His deity. "I and the Father are one" (verse 30).
Lord God, my Redeemer, cleanse my heart today and let my body be the temple for the Holy Spirit. May I worship you today as the one, true and living God. Through Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
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