Feast of Booths

I was in a Bible study where we were discussing the celebrations of the Israelites (Jewish people) and how each one had a purpose. At the time, we were setting our own family traditions and thinking about what God wanted us to teach our children (i was pregnant with Elijah then). The celebration of the Feast of Booths (or Feast of Tabernacles) really stood out to me.

The Feast of Booths is mentioned in the new and old testament. Basically it was (in Bible times)a trip away from home for the Israelite families that lasted seven days. Often they lived in tents that they made. The purpose of the celebration was to remember what God had done for them. During the celebration, daily they would tell stories of the greatness of God and the great things He had done throughout the year. It was a time of joy, dancing, worshiping God and of feasting. A true celebration of God.

We just completed our 3rd Feast of Booths. For us it has been a seven day type of vacation. The first year we did it with Mike and Edith (Jonathan's parents) at the beach. We did some of our remembering with them (which was so sweet - we had a lot of the same praises) and some of it just with our little family. The second time we did it in California with some dear friends who have babies our age . It was such a sweet time. This past time wasn't necessary a vacation (we went to Florida because Jonathan was speaking at a dear friends mission conference), but we made it into our "Feast of Booths". We really enjoyed fellowshipping and feasting with many of our dear friends and family in Florida and taking the time as a family to worship and remember. We ended it in VA with taking of communion during one of God's marvelous sunsets on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Elijah had many random things he was thankful that God had done: "...food....scoops (backhoes), mucks (dump trucks), and dizzy's (cement mixers)"......and my favorite one of Elijah's "the nails on His hands and feet"........

....sheeew.... one day i pray he understands fully what that was all for... for now i am thankful for a child who will remind me what life is all about.

This is a great tool for teaching your children who God is and thankfulness. For those of you who vacation anyway it is real easy to rename and refocus your vacation. We kinda of follow this guide but not as a rule and i am sure it will change as our children grow.

Feast of Tabernacles (Feast of Booths)

The Feast of Tabernacles (referred to Biblically in Leviticus 23:34, Deuteronomy 16:13, Zechariah 14:16-19, John 7:2) is a seven-day Biblical festival also known as the Feast of Booths/Tents (found in Nehemiah 8:14). It is celebrated by a number of Christians who have observed correlations between the Old Testament Festivals and New Testament Scriptural evidence that both Christ and the Apostles observed and taught these Holy Days to Early Christians, Jew and Gentile alike. It is one of the most important holy days as it lasts the longest and normally requires a great deal of preparation and travel to be able to attend. The Feast of Tabernacles includes travel to a place away from home in God’s nature often in tents or booths. Observing daily celebration and storytelling of the greatness of God and the great things He has done throughout that year. Including family worship to God.

Suggested Agenda below: (no need to do it in this order or manner)

Day 1: Remember

“Remember His wonderful deeds, His marvels, and the judgments from His mouth.”1 Chron. 16:12

Take time to remember and right down all of the marvelous deeds he has done throughout the year and then pray and thank Him. Record them in your family Journal.

Day 2: Tell

“I may tell of all your praises, and rejoice in salvation.” Psalm 9:14,Luke 10:20

Tell of all the things He has done and what He has taught you about Him/His character. Share them with other families that have joined the feast.

Day 3: Worship

“You should exult His works, sing about them.”Job 36:24

Corporate singing God’s praises as a family.

Day 4: Past

“Remember His Deeds His miracles of long ago.” Psalm 77:11

Read through stories stories of things He has done in the past and through records from past Feast of Tabernacles.

Day 5: His Name Praise Walk.

“Remember My name for all generations” Ex. 3:15

While walking outside speak and list names of God. Creating ones or speaking already known ones that He has shown to your personally and as a family throughout the year. And prayer/praise walk together.

Day 6: His Love

“Rejoice in His testimonies and riches.” Psalm 119:14

Read through Psalm 136 together and then speak out loud our own testimonies with each time all saying together out loud “His faithful love endures forever.”

Day 7: Lord’s Supper

“Do this in remembrance of Me.” 1 Cor.11:24-25

Remember His mighty grace and salvation by reading the scripture and taking the Lord’s Supper together for family members who have made decisions to follow God. Also take time to right down prayer requests for the next year and pray in faith for them together.