Take Time to Enjoy Our Blessings and Give Thanks to God
As we celebrate Christmas with our families and friends, we take time to share the love of giving and receiving gifts. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17, NIV). This act of giving reflects God’s ultimate gift to us—His Son. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV).
It is a time of the year when Christmas lights adorn homes and businesses, celebrating Jesus as the “Light of the World.” “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me
will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12, NIV). These lights remind us of the hope, joy, and salvation brought to us through Christ. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2, NIV).
Let this Christmas season be a time to reflect on His light shining through us and His love shared with others. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NIV).
The Bible details several celebrations and festivals commanded by God, particularly in the Old Testament. These celebrations were deeply communal, often requiring people to leave their homes and occupations, gather together, and rejoice before the Lord with feasting, dancing, and worship. Below is a summary of these celebrations and their unique characteristics:
Scripture: Exodus 12:1-28; Leviticus 23:4-5; Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Passover (Pesach)
Purpose: To commemorate God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.
Celebration Details: Families would leave their homes, gather to sacrifice a lamb, and host a meal that included the lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs.
Joyful Worship: Passover was a time of storytelling, celebrating God's mighty hand, and sharing food together.
Travel and Gathering: Many would journey to Jerusalem to observe this feast in the temple.
Scripture: Exodus 12:15-20; Leviticus 23:6-8
Feast of Unleavened Bread
Purpose: To remember the haste of Israel's departure from Egypt when there was no time for bread to rise.
Celebration Details: For seven days, no leavened bread was to be eaten, and offerings were made to the Lord.
Travel and Camping: This feast was often observed alongside Passover, requiring extended stays away from home.
Scripture: Leviticus 23:15-21; Deuteronomy 16:9-12
Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost)
Purpose: To celebrate the harvest and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Celebration Details: Offerings were brought to God, including the firstfruits of the harvest. Large meals and community gatherings marked the occasion.
Rejoicing Before God: People were commanded to rejoice with their families, servants, and the less fortunate in the community.
Dancing and Music: Songs and dances celebrated God's provision and law.
Scripture: Leviticus 23:23-25; Numbers 29:1-6
Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)
Purpose: A sacred assembly marked by the blowing of trumpets, symbolizing repentance and preparation for the Day of Atonement.
Celebration Details: A day of rest, feasting, and reflection.
Community Gatherings: People would pause from work to gather and worship together.
Scripture: Leviticus 23:26-32
Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
Purpose: A solemn day of fasting and repentance to atone for the sins of the people.
Celebration Details: Although not a feast, it was a holy day of gathering for confession and prayer.
Focus on Worship: Solemn assemblies reminded the people of God's holiness and their need for repentance.
Scripture: Leviticus 23:33-43; Deuteronomy 16:13-15
Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
Purpose: To remember God’s provision during Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness.
Celebration Details: Families left their homes to live in temporary shelters or booths for seven days. They celebrated with large feasts, sacrifices, and community gatherings.
Barbecues and Dancing: This was one of the most joyous festivals, featuring abundant food, wine, dancing, and singing before the Lord.
Community Camping: The people camped out together, reinforcing unity and dependence on God.
7. Sabbath Year and Year of Jubilee
Scripture: Leviticus 25:1-55
Purpose: To allow the land to rest (Sabbath year) and to restore equality by freeing slaves and returning land to original owners (Jubilee).
Celebration Details: These years were marked by rest, feasting, and gratitude to God for His provision.
Key Aspects of Biblical Celebrations
Leaving Home and Occupations:
Many of these celebrations required travel to Jerusalem or communal gatherings, taking time away from daily labor. “Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose” (Deuteronomy 16:16, NIV).Community Barbecues and Feasting:
The sacrifices offered to God often became meals shared by the community. “You shall rejoice before the Lord your God—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, the Levites in your towns, and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows living among you” (Deuteronomy 16:11, NIV).Dancing Before God:
Dancing was a common expression of joy during these celebrations. King David famously danced before the Ark of the Covenant in worship. “David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14, NIV).Living in God’s Presence:
Many festivals emphasized dwelling with God, such as Sukkot, which commemorated God's presence in the wilderness. “Rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days” (Leviticus 23:40, NIV).