Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

The Old Testament feasts hold profound spiritual significance, offering Christians today an opportunity to deepen their faith and understanding of God’s redemptive plan. Through a New Testament lens, these celebrations can be seen as shadows pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Here’s how Christians can meaningfully engage with these feasts while honoring their fulfillment in the Gospel.

1. Passover: Remembering Christ Our Lamb – April 12, 2025 (observed evening of April 11)

The Passover commemorates God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the sparing of the firstborn through the blood of a lamb. For Christians, this feast is a vivid reminder of Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice delivers us from sin and death (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

How to Celebrate: Reflect on Christ’s sacrifice by reading Exodus 12 and the accounts of the Last Supper (Luke 22:7-20). Share a meal incorporating elements of the Seder, such as unleavened bread and grape juice or wine, while discussing the parallels between the Passover lamb and Jesus.

2. Feast of Unleavened Bread: Walking in Purity – April 13-19, 2025

This week-long feast follows Passover, focusing on the removal of leaven (symbolizing sin) from homes and lives (Exodus 12:15). In the New Testament, it points to living a sanctified life, free from the corruption of sin (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).

How to Celebrate: Take time for spiritual reflection and confession. As a family or community, clean your physical spaces as a symbolic act of removing sin and dedicating yourself to holy living.

3. Firstfruits: Celebrating Resurrection – April 14 – 20, 2025

The Feast of Firstfruits marks the offering of the first harvest to God (Leviticus 23:9-14). For Christians, it symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection as the “firstfruits” of those who will rise (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

How to Celebrate: Celebrate Christ’s resurrection with thanksgiving. Consider giving a special offering or serving in your community as an act of gratitude for God’s provision and the promise of eternal life.

4. Pentecost (Shavuot): Empowered by the Spirit – June 1, 2025

Originally a harvest festival, Pentecost also commemorates the giving of the Law at Sinai (Exodus 19). In the New Testament, it’s the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the church (Acts 2:1-4).

How to Celebrate: Reflect on the gift of the Holy Spirit through prayer, worship, and studying Acts 2. Consider hosting a gathering to discuss how the Spirit empowers believers for ministry and mission.

5. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): Awaiting Christ’s Return – September 23, 2025

The Feast of Trumpets is marked by the blowing of shofars, calling God’s people to repentance and readiness (Leviticus 23:23-25). It foreshadows the future trumpet call signaling Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

How to Celebrate: Spend time in personal or communal repentance and prayer. Use a shofar or another symbolic sound to reflect on the hope of Christ’s return.

6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): Trusting in Christ’s Finished Work – October 2, 2025

Yom Kippur is the most solemn day of the Jewish calendar, centered on atonement and reconciliation (Leviticus 16). Jesus, our High Priest, has made the ultimate atonement through His sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14).

How to Celebrate: Observe a day of fasting and prayer, meditating on Hebrews 9-10. Thank God for the completeness of Christ’s work and seek reconciliation in your relationships.

7. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Rejoicing in God’s Provision – October 7-13, 2025

This joyful feast celebrates God’s provision during Israel’s wilderness journey (Leviticus 23:33-43). It points to God’s presence dwelling among us, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus (John 1:14) and looking forward to the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:3).

How to Celebrate: Build a small shelter or tent to symbolize God’s provision and presence. Spend time in worship, gratitude, and sharing meals with others, celebrating the joy of God’s faithfulness.

Celebrating the Old Testament feasts as a Christian is not about legalism but about embracing the richness of God’s redemptive story. These feasts provide a tangible way to remember and proclaim the Gospel, deepen our faith, and anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!