Scripture
Our verse for today comes from John 10:22, “Now the Feast of Dedication was celebrating at Jerusalem, and it was winter.”
Background
The Feast of Dedication is the Greek term for what we know today as Hanukkah. It was a festival for the Jews to celebrate the liberation of the temple from the Syrians that occurred around 165 BC. It also is referred to as the Festival of Lights because of the lamps and candles that the people would burn in honor of the event. And John tells us that it was in the winter. Our modern calendar puts this celebration for the Jews around the time that we are celebrating Christmas, which is when we have chosen to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Odds are that this festival and Jesus’ birth were probably not so close together, but imagine if they were. Jesus would be turning another year older and doing the things that people do during their birthdays. He would have cause to celebrate the times He had shared with His family, disciples, and close friends. But unlike the rest of us, Jesus knew exactly how many more birthdays He would be having. And the number was probably zero.
Application
As He enjoyed perhaps His last birthday with His mom and His disciples, He knew that His purpose for being born was just around the corner. His birthday most certainly would have taken His mind to His deathday. So, how was He spending His last days on this earth? Well, He was talking about believing in Him, and nearly getting stoned. Now, for some of you, in an earlier life, getting stoned on your birthday may have meant something a little different. But for Jesus, it served only to remind Him why He came. The lost of His world, those He made and loved, needed a Savior. They needed His birthday, and they needed His deathday. And they ultimately needed His resurrection day. It’s why He came; it’s the reason for His birthday. So, if you have a birthday in 2026, ask yourself, what is the reason for your birth? Can you look at your life and see it aligning with the cause of Christ? Do you think you are using your time the way Jesus intended when He shed His blood for you? If you are, then great. If not, then celebrate a new birthday. The birth of your heart following the will of God’s.
Charge
As we seek Him today, realize the limited number of days you have been given, and commit to live them all for the glory of our Heavenly Father.
Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words
Distributed by – BCWorldview.org
