I and the Father Are One (John 10:22-42)

[Sung Psalm: 122]

Did you know that Hanukkah is mentioned in the Bible? In fact, did you know that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah? He was in Jerusalem for the "Feast of Dedication" – whose other title is Hanukkah.

There has been something of a debate in Reformed circles about this. After all, the Feast of Dedication is not an inspired feast. God never said to have a feast to celebrate the victory of Judas Maccabeus!

There is no divine authority for the Feast of Dedication – just "church authority."

In that way it's sort of like "Christmas." God never said "Thou shalt celebrate Christmas" – and as far as we know the apostles never did – but the church has done it since at least the late third century. But the Feast of Dedication is even more sketchy – because it is not celebrating a biblical event – it is celebrating an event in general church history.

So in that sense it's more like "Reformation Day" – or "Thanksgiving Day" – or, for that matter, "Saints' Days."

It's worth noting that Jesus participates in the Feast of Dedication. That's not to say that Jesus is therefore endorsing every special holiday ever! Having a saints day or three for every day of the year is hardly warranted from one verse! But plainly Jesus was willing to dignify the Feast of Dedication with his presence...