Bible Verse: John 10:22,23 – it was winter

Originally posted on December 25, 2025 – by Andre Piet

Then came the Festival of Dedication in Jerusalem; it was winter. 23 And Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon.

In winter Israel celebrates the Hanukkah festival, the feast of the rededication of the temple. It begins on the 25th of Kislev and lasts eight days. In Jewish tradition it is also known as the festival of light.

Its origin lies more than a century and a half before our era. Under the leadership of Judas the Maccabee the temple was liberated and rededicated. At that rededication there was only one small jar of pure oil for the Menorah – sufficient for one day. Yet the light continued to burn for eight days, until new oil became available.

Jesus knew no Christmas celebration. Nor was He born “in the middle of a winter night.” Yet remarkably, He did celebrate the festival of light. John explicitly notes that He walked in the temple in winter, during this festival of dedication.

That is significant. For does this festival not speak of Him in a hidden way? The oil in the lampstand – a figure of life and light — refers to Him Who is the true light. Light that does not originate from human beings, but for which God Himself provides. And the eight days speak of a new beginning.

In a world that often seems like winter — cold and dark — the light burns. In the true sanctuary above shines the imperishable light of the risen Son of David.

Delen: