The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is a significant biblical festival, celebrated with immense
joy and reverence. It commemorates the Israelites’ years in the wilderness, when they lived in
temporary shelters known as booths, (Hebrew sukkot, singular sukkah). The road to Sukkot
winds through the season of repentance, progressing through Rosh Hashanah, when the shofar
resounds with 100 blasts heralding the arrival of the King, and onwards to Yom Kippur, the Day
of Atonement, the gravest day of the year. Emerging from this sacred period, the gift and
renewal of forgiveness and the recognition of God’s loving provision give rise to gratitude and
elation.
Sukkot is rich in traditions reflecting its core themes of joy and remembrance. Central to the
celebration is the building of the sukkah, a four-sided structure with a roof made of natural
materials, such as branches or reeds, allowing one to see the stars at night. This act of
constructing the sukkah serves as a tangible reminder of the Israelites’ transient existence in the
wilderness after their liberation from slavery in Egypt by God.
Families dine, relax, and even sleep in their sukkot, embracing the commandment to be joyful.
This joy is not superficial; it is deeply rooted in gratitude for God’s provision and protection
throughout the journey. During the wilderness years, God desired that the Israelites build a
tabernacle-a sukkah-for Him, too, so He might dwell with them. Paul tells us in Corinthians that
God still desires to live with us, as we have become the tabernacle of God’s Holy Spirit. So
there is also great joy that our God chooses to be close to us.
Celebrating Tabernacles within a fragile, temporary dwelling constructed of branches, palm
fronds, and wood marks a departure from materialism, guiding us towards a more simplistic
lifestyle. Notably, God refers to this designated period as the "Season of Our Rejoicing."
Authentic joy cannot be discovered in possessions or grand residences; instead, it is found in
God and His everlasting faithfulness. Sukkot invites us to focus on God's presence with us,
encouraging selflessness and true spiritual connection.
The commandment for Sukkot is to rejoice for seven days, followed by an additional day of
celebration. We stand before a righteous judge, one who has also become our redeemer. Our
sins are forgiven, cast into the depths of the sea, as distant as the east is from the west. Our
names are inscribed in the book of life, our needs are abundantly met, and the King desires to
reside among us. Moreover, we eagerly anticipate the prophesied final return of the King and
the wedding banquet of the Lamb. There is indeed much cause for joy!
The atmosphere of the concluding Sukkot celebration is one of high praise and exuberant
worship. Celebrants engage in vibrant pageantry, including banner processions and
congregational dancing. These expressions of communal joy create an uplifting environment
where teaching and sharing of stories enrich the experience. The festival embodies a collective
acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness, encouraging participants to reflect on their own lives and
the path of faith they walk.
The Feast of Tabernacles depicts a rich tapestry of tradition, worship, and prophetic
significance. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, the joy of
communal celebration, and the hopeful anticipation of what is yet to come. As believers gather
in their sukkot, and for the Feast commemoration, they celebrate God’s faithfulness and
provision, while also rehearsing for the ultimate celebration that awaits—the wedding supper of
the Lamb. In this way, Sukkot transcends a mere remembrance of the past; it becomes a vibrant
expression of faith, community, and the unshakeable hope that binds believers across
generations.
Church of the Messiah will celebrate Sukkot on October 25 and 26. Free registration is available
through http://churchmessiah.org/sukkot/
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