John 10:35 sn The parenthetical note And the scripture cannot be broken belongs to Jesus’ words rather than the author’s. Not only does Jesus appeal to the OT to defend himself against the charge of blasphemy, but he also adds that the scripture cannot be “broken.” In this context he does not explain precisely what is meant by “broken,” but it is not too hard to determine. Jesus’ argument depended on the exact word used in the context of Ps 82:6. If any other word for “judge” had been used in the psalm, his argument would have been meaningless. Since the scriptures do use this word in Ps 82:6, the argument is binding, because they cannot be “broken” in the sense of being shown to be in error.

Genethlia): This is the most common way to say “birthday” in Greek. It literally translates to “birth festival” and is used both for birthdays and anniversaries.Nora and Thomas and their teacher are in a desert in Egypt. Pyramids can be seen in the distance behind them.

For Christians who choose to celebrate Hanukkah, it can serve as a reminder of their faith's Jewish roots and a chance to reflect on the themes of light, faith, and divine intervention central to both Hanukkah and Christian beliefs. In Britain, the Christmas tree was introduced in the early 19th century by the German-born Queen Charlotte. In 1832, the future Queen Victoria wrote about her delight at having a Christmas tree, hung with lights, ornaments, and presents placed round it. [140] After her marriage to her German cousin Prince Albert, by 1841 the custom became more widespread throughout Britain. [141]

Christians Practice the Discipline of Celebration by Claiming God’s Promises

Then came the feast of the Dedication [ a] in Jerusalem. 23 It was winter, [ b] and Jesus was walking in the temple area [ c] in Solomon’s Portico. [ d] 24 The Jewish leaders [ e] surrounded him and asked, [ f] “How long will you keep us in suspense? [ g] If you are the Christ, [ h] tell us plainly.” [ i] 25 Jesus replied, [ j] “I told you and you do not believe. The deeds [ k] I do in my Father’s name testify about me. 26 But you refuse to believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give [ l] them eternal life, and they will never perish; [ m] no one will snatch [ n] them from my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, [ o] and no one can snatch [ p] them from my Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I [ q] are one.” [ r] This also started the cultural conflict between the holiday's spiritual significance and its associated commercialism that some see as corrupting the holiday. In her 1850 book The First Christmas in New England, Harriet Beecher Stowe includes a character who complains that the true meaning of Christmas was lost in a shopping spree. [147] John 10:23 tn Or “portico,” “colonnade”; Grk “stoa.” sn Solomon’ s Portico was a covered walkway formed by rows of columns supporting a roof and open on the inner side facing the center of the temple complex.