Happy new year! I hope you are having a good holiday season. I use the word “holiday” deliberately here, not to obscure the centrality of Christ in Christmas, but to focus on the literal definition of “holiday”: a “holy” day. Throughout the year, we have various celebratory days that are “set apart” (that’s what “holy” means). The rest of the days are common, or unholy, by contrast. There’s nothing wrong with these ordinary days; they’re just not special like the others.
As we start a new calendar year, did you know that God has a calendar full of scheduled holy days? In Hebrew, they’re called moedim, often translated “appointed times”. These appointments, like what you make on your calendar, celebrate holiday events in the most literal use of the word. Unfortunately, many Christians consider these festivals found in Leviticus 23 as Jewish celebrations only, something of a bygone era for us Christians. I’m not advocating Christians must observe all these holidays; however, like Christmas and Easter, I think we can experience great meaning in these biblical feasts. There is much to learn and celebrate by studying and observing these festivals and how they point to Christ. After all, in Leviticus 23:2, God states that these holidays are his, not just Israel’s.
Recurring appointments
So, what can we learn from these ancient biblical holidays? Each of them look back on how God acted in the past and provide prophetic hope of God’s future plan, giving context to the present day celebration. While each festival deserves an in-depth study of its own, the following summaries will suffice for now:
- Sabbath celebrates the rhythm of work and rest that God has built into the universe. Weekly, we remember that God loves and provides for us because of he made us, not because of what we do.
- Passover and Unleavened Bread celebrate God’s payment in blood to rescue Israel from slavery. We remember the Lamb of God slain on a cross for our sin, and the betrothal Jesus declared to his followers the night before (Luke 22:19-20).
- Firstfruits celebrates the barley harvest and God’s expected provision to come. We remember Jesus rose as the firstfruits of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20) and wants our first and best.
- The Feast of Pentecost celebrates God giving the Torah on Mount Sinai and marrying Israel. We remember, 50 days after the resurrection, God married the church and wrote his Torah on our hearts by giving us the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
- The Feast of Trumpets celebrates preparing for God’s atonement ten days later. We remember to wake up and heed Jesus’ message of repentance (Matthew 4:17). He will one day return at the sound of trumpets, and all must prepare to give an account.
- The Day of Atonement celebrates God fixing his broken relationship with Israel at the Tabernacle. We remember to confess our sins, rejoice in Jesus’ atonement on the cross, and anticipate his final judgement and forgiveness (Revelation 20:11-12).
- The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates God dwelling with Israel in the wilderness. We remember God wants to dwell with us, even in this temporary life. Jesus dwelt with us in the flesh (John 1:14), and we anticipate his return when we can all dwell with him.
The God who wants to meet with us
God wants to meet with us, so much so that he scheduled appointments with us on his calendar. In fact, the people set aside an additional tithe just to celebrate them (Deuteronomy 14:22-27)! When was the last time you’ve intentionally scheduled time and allocated resources to meet with God? Through his word, through prayer, through worship, through holiday celebrations?
As we begin the new year, let’s celebrate what God has done in the past, collectively and personally. In doing so, we can have hope for how he will work in our lives in the future. And through past reflection and future hope, we can live at peace in the present, walking alongside him.
God has some great celebrations lined up this year. You’re invited to join the party. Will you accept his invitation?
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
Excellent job, Matt! I am still one of those rare people who keep a paper calendar, so I can relate to keeping appointments with God. Thanks for a good message.