“At that time,

The festival

Of the Dedication

Took place

In Jerusalem.

It was winter.”

Ἐγένετο τότε τὰ ἐνκαίνια ἐν τοῖς Ἱεροσολύμοις· χειμὼν ἦν·

John uniquely said that at that time (Ἐγένετο τότε), the festival of the Dedication or renewal (ἐν τοῖς Ἱεροσολύμοις) took place in Jerusalem (ἐν τοῖς Ἱεροσολύμοις) in the winter time (χειμὼν ἦν).  What is this festival all about?  As far as we can tell this was Hanukkah, a winter eight-day festival celebrating the rededication of the Temple in 164 BCE after the uprising of Judas Maccabeus, on the twenty-fifth day of the month of Chislev.  The Temple had been desecrated by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (215-164 BCE) and re-consecrated as in 1 Maccabees, chapter 4:36-59, and 2 Maccabees, chapter 10:1-8.  Obviously, this newer festival took place in Jerusalem, the place of the Temple.  Do you celebrate the dedication of your place of worship?