CMP Review 2023-11-12

In 165 BC, Judas Maccabaeus said to the men of his army, “Behold, our enemies are crushed; let us go up to cleanse the sanctuary and dedicate it.” For three years the temple of Jerusalem had been shrouded in darkness and desolation. Judas Maccabaeus came to bring light.

They rebuilt the altar, they rebuilt the sanctuary, and they consecrated the courts. “Then they burned incense on the altar and lighted the lamps on the lampstand, and these gave light in the temple. They placed the bread on the table and hung up the curtains. Thus they finished all the work they had undertaken.”

Finally after a great celebration, “Judas and his brothers and all the assembly of Israel determined that every year at that season the days of the dedication of the altar should be observed with gladness and joy for eight days,” and so the Feast of Dedication was born.

Nearly two centuries later, after spending two months in the wilderness, Jesus Christ returned to Jerusalem. He came to the temple once again to bring His light. It was the Feast of Dedication. What was the reaction of the people when Jesus “was walking in the temple in Solomon’s porch”? Charlotte Mason captures the moment in her poem, which you can read or hear here.

@artmiddlekauff