Since Jesus celebrated Hanukkah, The Bible Seminary is excited to announce that the Joshua, Judges, and Jesus (3J) Museum will be exploring the archaeological aspects of the first Christmas in conjunction with the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

The current exhibit closed Nov. 28 and will reopen Dec. 18, the first day of Hanukkah. Bible Seminary President, Dr. K. Lynn Lewis extends an invitation to gather at 5 p.m. on the porch of Grace Fellowship Church, 2655 S. Mason Road. A shofar blown at sunset, anticipated at 5:27 p.m., will begin the festivities, which are scheduled to include an informational tour led by archaeologist and Bible Seminary Provost Dr. Scott Stripling, the lighting of the first lamp, and then an open house illuminating the history of Hanukkah (also known as the Feast of Dedication, or Festival of Lights).

Since Hanukkah coincides with the Christian holiday of Christmas this year, the Bible Seminary will open every night of Hanukkah to light Hasmonaean lamps that were first lit almost 2,200 years ago. The celebration will commemorate God’s preemptive measures that pointed to Jesus, the true Light of the world.

The 3J Museum will be open to the public during regular hours, which are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 19-23 of Hanukkah week. Evening and weekend visits may be requested by appointment only, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The nightly lightings of the lamps for each of the eight evenings will begin with a 4:45 p.m. tour and then the lamp lighting at sundown (around 5:27 p.m.). Viewers can also watch live online at facebook.com/thebibleseminary. Reservations can be made to tour the museum and attend a lighting by registering at TheBibleSeminary.edu/3J.